Cops deployed in priests' attire at Kashi Vishwanath temple. Does police manual allow it?

Updated : Apr 12, 2024 22:44
|
Editorji News Desk

The deployment of police officers dressed as priests at the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi has sparked controversy, for violating the 'police manual'.

Statutory provisions and guidelines make it mandatory for police personnel to wear uniform while on duty. Though there are exceptions to the rule, functions like crowd control require personnel to be in uniform so that they're easily identifiable to the public.

However, male and female policemen have been deployed in the temple in priests attire on the orders of Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal. While the male policemen are wearing dhoti-kurta, the female policemen are wearing salwar kurta.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav demanded Agarwal's suspension citing potential security risks.

Yadav in a post on X said, "According to which 'police manual' is it correct for policemen to be dressed as priests? Those who give such orders should be suspended. If tomorrow any 'thag' (fraudster) takes advantage of this and loots the innocent public, then what will the UP government and administration answer? Condemnable!".

Agarwal had earlier told reporters that people who come from far away places to have obeisance have regard for the priests and they often got hurt if they are pushed forward by the policemen.

"The duty in temple is different from other place as police have to manage different type of crowd here. The crowd here is not for creating law and order problem. The police is here to ensure easy darshan to people and help and guide them," Agarwal said.

"The devotees get hurt if being pushed by policemen, if same thing is done by priests they take it in a positive way. Following no touch policy, policemen are being deployed in priests attire," he added.

Kashi Vishwanath temple

Recommended For You

editorji | India

FIR against Samajwadi Party’s Sambhal MP for power theft

editorji | India

No provision of free travel for Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela: Railways

editorji | India

BJP Leader Urges CM Yogi to Reclaim Ayodhya Mosque Land Citing Non-Compliance

editorji | India

Ancient Idols, Including Lord Ganesh, Unearthed from Well Near Sambhal's Reopened Temple After 46 Years

editorji | India

PM Modi Calls Maha Kumbh a 'Mahayagya of Unity,' Inaugurates Projects Worth Rs 5,500 Crores