A major controversy has erupted in Telangana after an alleged demolition of an 800-year-old Kakatiya-era Shiva temple in Warangal district triggered legal action and widespread outrage among heritage activists and historians.

According to reports, the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeology Department of the Government of India have registered a case following complaints regarding the destruction of the historic temple located in Ashok Nagar under Khanapur Mandal in Warangal. The action reportedly came after Telangana Rights lawyer Rama Rao Immaneni approached the National Monuments Authority demanding intervention into the matter.

The centuries-old temple, believed to date back to the reign of the Kakatiya dynasty, was allegedly demolished using bulldozers to make way for the construction of an Integrated School building. Heritage experts and local activists have condemned the demolition, calling it a serious loss to Telangana’s historical legacy.

One of the most significant aspects of the site was a rare Telugu inscription dated February 1231 AD. Historians said the inscription referred to Kakatiya ruler Ganapatideva with titles such as “Maharaja” and “Rajadhirajulu,” highlighting the historical importance of the structure. The seven-line inscription had reportedly been documented earlier by the Heritage Department in 1965.

The temple complex was situated within the historic “Kota Katta” region, known for its mud fort structures, ancient ponds, and remnants of old fortifications linked to the Kakatiya period. Experts have argued that the structure could have been preserved, relocated, or reconstructed instead of being completely destroyed.

The incident has also intensified criticism against the Telangana Government, with allegations that authorities failed to constitute a Heritage Conservation Committee as required under the Telangana Heritage Act.

The complaint filed before authorities has reportedly sought action under Section 30 of the Telangana Heritage Act against officials considered responsible for the demolition. Demands for inquiry and accountability have also been raised against Warangal Collector Dr. Satya Sharada and senior archaeology officials, including Jayesh Ranjan, over their alleged failure to protect the historic monument.