look news india
A very serious and shocking case of VIP culture and influence of power at religious places has come to light. A police sub-inspector deployed to maintain security and order during a visit to the famous temple complex was publicly slapped by the daughter of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA. This entire controversy started due to forced entry into the sanctum sanctorum of the temple contrary to the rules. After this incident, there was a stir among the devotees present at the spot and sharp reactions are being seen in the political circles including the administrative department.
Ignoring the rules and starting a dispute
Strict rules regarding crowd control and security arrangements have been implemented by the temple administration and local police. As per the prescribed protocol, there is a strict ban on the direct entry of any devotee, general or special, into the sanctum sanctorum during the special puja or aarti.
According to eyewitnesses, the MLA’s daughter had come to the temple with some of her acquaintances. Ignoring the normal queue and security protocols, he tried to go straight inside the sanctum sanctorum. At that time, the Sub-Inspector, who was in charge of the security arrangements at the main gate of the sanctum sanctorum, politely stopped him and requested him to wait citing the rules of the temple management.
From argument to scuffle: misbehavior with on-duty officer
When asked to stop, the MLA’s daughter lost her temper and started putting pressure on the policeman citing her political influence. The matter was not limited to just debate, but quickly turned into a heated argument. When the sub-inspector reiterated the importance of strictly following the rules, the MLA’s daughter, allegedly in a fit of rage, slapped the on-duty police officer hard.
Hundreds of devotees were present in the temple premises at the time of the incident, who were shocked to see this unexpected behaviour. Other policemen and security guards of the temple immediately intervened and tried to control the situation, but by then the atmosphere had become quite tense.
CCTV footage and police legal action
Immediately after the incident, the recordings of high-definition CCTV cameras installed in the temple premises have been secured. The entire incident, altercation and slapping scene is clearly recorded in the footage.
The victim sub-inspector has given a written complaint about this matter to his senior officers. The process of registering a case under serious sections of obstructing a public servant, attacking an on-duty policeman and disturbing peace has been initiated. Senior police officers say that all citizens are equal before the law and appropriate legal action will be taken after impartially investigating the incident.
Questions raised on VIP culture and administrative accountability
This incident is not limited to just a criminal act, but it has once again sparked a serious debate on the ever increasing VIP culture in religious places and the arbitrariness of people in power.
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Dissatisfaction among devotees: Common devotees say that strict rules are imposed on common people who stand in queue for hours to have darshan, while these rules are often flouted by political personalities and their family members.
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Morale of police force: This kind of misbehavior with police officers on duty also has a negative impact on the morale of the police force. Police associations have also expressed strong anger over the incident and demanded strict action against the culprit.
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Political conflict: Opposition parties have launched a scathing attack on the government and the ruling party on this issue. The opposition alleges that the family members of the leaders, intoxicated with power, have started considering law and order as their property.
To maintain the dignity of religious places and the rule of law, it is necessary that the rules apply equally to all, no matter how influential one is. All eyes are on what further steps the administration takes in this matter.