Army Begins ID Checks at Kali Temple in Telangana's Bandlaguda Jagir

Hyderabad: In the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Army personnel have begun checking identity proofs of devotees visiting the Kali temple at Bandlaguda Jagir, which is located on defence land. The checks started a week ago as a precautionary security measure.

The temple typically sees large gatherings on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Security personnel have been stationed at the parking area and the entrance of the temple to verify the Aadhaar cards. Devotees without Aadhaar are being asked to produce alternative identity documents to confirm their local status.

Following the announcement of these measures, most devotees have begun carrying their Aadhaar cards, while those unaware of the new rule have been showing other forms of identification.

Temple security staff said ID verification is being carried out from 5 am to 8 pm during temple hours. “Devotees are cooperating and willingly showing their ID proofs. There have been no arguments or resistance so far,” a staff member said.

P. Raghunath, a regular visitor to the temple, welcomed the measure. “It is a good move. The temple is in a defence zone and attracts huge crowds. Security checks are essential,” he said. J. Mounika, another devotee, expressed surprise at the sudden checks. “I visit the temple regularly and this wasn’t there earlier. I learnt it’s for security reasons. I didn’t carry a hard copy, but they accepted the digital version on my phone,” she said.

In cases where groups arrive and not all members have identity proof, security personnel have been allowing entry by verifying at least one member’s ID.

The Kali temple is renovated in May 2022. “Animal sacrifice inside the temple has been banned for the past 30 years. Devotees now display the animal outside and perform rituals at private function halls. Alcohol is also banned in temple premises and associated halls,” said Ch. Narasimha Goud, a local resident.