The Tirupati Book Festival witnessed chaos as Hindutva extremists protested against the book Quran Analysis, authored by Hindu writer Mr. Sharma.
The book explores similarities between Islamic and Hindu values, citing the Quran as a reference point.
Eyewitnesses reported that the extremists stormed the Vishalandhra bookstall displaying the book, tearing copies and setting them on fire while chanting “Jai Shri Ram.” They also attempted to vandalize the stall, hurled accusations, and used abusive language, causing significant disruption.
Sakam Nagaraju, a visitor at the event, recalled, “I heard loud noises and saw a group tearing and burning the book while shouting slogans.” The mob further targeted the stall for selling other controversial titles, including Ramayana Visha Vriksham by Ranganayakamma and works by Tamil reformer Periyar, falsely alleging that the writings promoted immoral ideas.
Vaka Prasad, convener of the Tirupati Book Lovers United Forum, condemned the incident, emphasizing that literature represents freedom of thought beyond religious and regional boundaries. He demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible, asserting that no group has the authority to dictate what others should read.
This disruption mirrors a similar incident at the Hyderabad Book Fair on December 29, 2024, where Hindutva extremists targeted the Veekshanam bookstall.