Police officials in Koppal district arrested six persons in connection with the incident of vandalism at the Nava Brindavana in Anegundi, which is the resting place of nine Hindu saints belonging to the Uttaradi Mutt located close to the heritage site of Hampi.

T Balanarasaiah (42), Murali Manohar Reddy (35), Manohar Derangallu (27), Kummata Keshava (29), B Vijay Kumar (36) and Sriramulu (45) were arrested on Sunday, 21 July, three days after the damage to the structure at the holy site came to light.

Investigating officials stated that all accused persons hailed from Tadapatri town of Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh and had dug up the Nava Brindavana looking for treasure. Another accused person, Srinivas Reddy (40), is still absconding. The police also found the SUV vehicle used by the accused.