Amaravati: Hindutva religious extremists disrupted the Tirupati Book Exhibition in Andhra Pradesh, targeting a stall featuring a book analyzing the Quran and sparking tensions at the event.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the extremists attacked the Vishalandhra book stall, damaging copies of the book “Quran Analysis” by Hindu author Sharma, and set them on fire while chanting “Jai Shri Ram.” The book examines the similarities between Islamic and Hindu values, using the Quran as a central reference.

Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene, noting that the extremists attempted to vandalize the stall and used aggressive language, further disrupting the event.

Sakam Nagaraju, an attendee, recounted witnessing the violence, stating, “I heard loud noises and saw a group tearing and burning the book while shouting Hindutva slogans.” The group also targeted other works, including “Ramayana Visha Vriksham” by Ranganayakamma and writings by Tamil reformer Periyar, accusing them of promoting immoral ideas.

Vaka Prasad, convener of the Tirupati Book Lovers United Forum, condemned the attack, emphasizing the importance of literary freedom and calling for the arrest of those involved. He stressed that no group should control others’ reading choices.

This incident follows a similar attack on December 29, 2024, at the Hyderabad Book Fair, where Hindutva extremists targeted the Veekshanam bookstall.