The Mamallapuram police have arrested a person who had placed one of his legs on top of the Shivalingam at Thirumoorthy cave near the Butter Ball monument. The cave is part of one of the temples at the World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram.

Police has identified the person arrested on Monday as Sadam Hussain, 27, of Karumambakkam near Thirukazhukundram. Hussain, who climbed the Lingam wearing his footwear, had posted a picture on the internet.

The picture went viral on social media with heritage conservators and cultural commentators strongly condemning the act of vandalism.