A complaint was filed by Archaeological Survey of India, Ballari, which said the vandalism took place last year. Ballari SP Arun Rangarajan said the men had come to Ballari for a Railway Recruitment Board exam. After the exam, five of them visited Hampi. Three of them toppled a granite pillar at the Vishnu temple while their friend filmed them. 

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SP Rangarajan said the youths had confessed to the vandalism. “They were excited on seeing the monuments in Hampi. They claim to have toppled the pillar in sheer excitement. They had no idea how historically significant Hampi is,” the SP said. “All four have been facing a threat to their lives ever since the video went viral. During interrogation, they said they had received threat calls from some groups.” 

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Deputy commissioner Dr Ramprasat V Manohar said there was no communication between Unesco and the district administration about the vandalism. “Unesco has not sought any details about the incident from us,” he said. “Hampi is the pride of our nation and world heritage. Tourists and locals should understand the significance of protecting and conserving the heritage site.”