On Christmas Day, an incident in Kandlakoya village sparked outrage among the Hindu community after Medchal (Bhagyanagar) police intervened in the ongoing Ayyappaswamy Puja, citing noise complaints and discouraging religious activities on Christmas. The police, led by SI Ashok, entered the temple premises wearing shoes and asked the devotees to reduce the volume of the puja, a move that has been widely condemned as an infringement on religious freedom.
Claiming 'it’s Christmas,' police entered the Ayyappa Swami Pooja Mandapam wearing shoes and attempted to stop the sacred ritual, disrespecting our traditions. United in strong faith and resolve, the Swamis firmly resisted and upheld their dharma. This incident proves that unity… pic.twitter.com/epDS0P2e82
— Pratheesh Viswanath (@pratheesh_Hind) December 26, 2024
While the police claim the intervention was due to concerns over loud noise affecting nearby residents, the timing of the intervention — on Christmas Day during a Hindu puja ritual — has raised serious concerns. The incident unfolded when the police received complaints from local residents about the loud sound from the loudspeakers used during the puja. The authorities responded by instructing the organizers to lower the volume, citing disturbance to elderly residents and those with health conditions. However, many believe that this intervention was not solely about noise control, but rather an attempt to hinder the religious expression of Hindus.
What has angered many is not only the police’s unwarranted interference in a peaceful religious gathering but also their choice to enter the sacred premises with shoes, which is a clear sign of disrespect. Despite the claims that the police only asked for the sound to be reduced, the underlying issue of religious intolerance cannot be ignored.
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The police’s actions come against the backdrop of a growing sentiment that Hindu religious practices are often scrutinized and subjected to unfair restrictions, while other religious activities are allowed to continue without interference. Hindus, it seems, are increasingly finding their religious rights questioned, even when their activities do not harm others. In this case, the puja was being held within the temple premises, well away from residential areas, making the police’s interference all the more questionable.
(With inputs from Samayam Telugu)
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