Police role in temple controversy?
Enquiries by senior police officers reveal that when the renovation works at the Bhagya Laxmi temple were undertaken in the dead of night on Wednesday, an inspector of Charminar police station was present.
Did a police officer play a partisan role in the temple renovation controversy near Charminar that led to communal tensions the other day?
Enquiries by senior police officers reveal this to be true. Witnesses and video footage show that when the renovation works at the Bhagya Laxmi temple, that stands at the foot of the Charminar, were undertaken in the dead of Wednesday night, a police inspector of Charminar police station was present.
The contention of the other community is that the renovation is likely to mar the view of the historical heritage. The furtive manner in which renovation was undertaken led to clashes and tension and imposition of prohibitory orders.
The City police commissioner Anurag Sharma and DCP South Akun Sabharwal had to rush to the spot, late at night to contain tension which was threatening to spread to other parts of the Old City. Some suffered injuries and properties were damaged.
Police view the entire episode as a conspiracy because soon after the renovation work began around 1.30am, a crowd of devotees reached the spot and held an ‘aarti’ which further aggravated the situation. The law and order situation in Charminar had been intact for many years and the police suspect that both the MIM and the right wing parties have a role in disturbing it.
Sabharwal said that the police have evidences of mischievous elements in both communities trying to kick up a row and create tension. “We will take strong action,” he said.
Police have stopped the renovation to study the original structure and decide if the renovation would mar the view of the iconic structure. Till this is done, it’s status quo.
About the Author (Author Profile)
I have been working as a crime reporter in Hyderabad for the past 17 years. I was encouraged to be a journalist by my late father. As a journalist I try to do something unique for society, especially the poor who suffer the most.
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