Huge Shivalingam unearthed by treasure hunters

• Six arrested for digging at the spot where a temple existed
• People in large numbers offering special poojas

Choutuppal (Nalgonda): A huge Shivalingam was unearthed last week during digging allegedly by treasure-hunters at Utkunta village in Rachakonda forest area of Samsthan Narayanpur mandal of Nalgonda district. Archaeology and Revenue department officials, who visited the spot, say the shivalingam dates back to the Kakatiya period. Rachakonda area was in Kakatiya empire.

The idol was reinstalled at the same spot by the Girijans of the area and followers of Munugode MLA Vujjini Yadagiri Rao who offered special poojas. People in large numbers are flocking to the site where it has been placed to worship. Six persons allegedly involved in treasure-hunt have been arrested by the police and sent to judicial remand. They were said to have been looking for valuables at the site where a temple existed.

The accused, who found the idol, have reportedly hidden it a field. Some tribals residing in a nearby thanda who saw it informed the Revenue department official and the police. The MLA said he would strive to develop the Rachakonda area as a tourist spot.