Koppal, Oct. 28 -- The dispute over control of the Anjanadri temple in Koppal district of Karnataka has escalated after district administration officials broke open locks on eight temple offices secured by chief priest Vidyadas Baba and initiated steps to take over the shrine's administration.

The operation was carried out by a team led by the Assistant Commissioner, tahsildar, and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). Officials removed banners belonging to a trust installed by Baba, sent out staff appointed by him, and directed government personnel to manage the temple offices.

Vidyadas Baba strongly protested against the action, questioning the legal authority of the officials. He demanded that they produce a court order permitting t...