Ayyappa Devotees Lay Siege to Telangana DGP Office

Hyderabad: Tension prevailed near the Telangana DGP office on Thursday after Ayyappa devotees staged a protest opposing a recent directive restricting police personnel observing Ayyappa deeksha from wearing the traditional mala while on duty. The protesters alleged that the rule was disrespectful to Hindu sentiments.

A large number of devotees gathered in front of the DGP office, and members of the BJP Yuva Morcha also joined the demonstration in support. The protest escalated when Ayyappa devotees attempted to enter the DGP office premises, resulting in a scuffle with police. Devotees claimed that police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse them.

The protestors condemned departmental action taken against police officials who wore the Ayyappa mala while in uniform. They demanded exemptions from the dress code for officers observing the 41-day mala.

Police deployed barricades to control the crowd as groups of devotees from various districts marched toward the DGP office. Heated arguments broke out between the protesters and police, and several devotees were reportedly detained.

The controversy began after a memo issued by the Hyderabad South East Zone DCP office on November 20 stated that exemptions to the uniform dress code cannot be granted for Ayyappa devotees serving in the police department. An SI from Kanchanbagh, S. Krishnakant, had submitted a representation seeking relaxation, which was declined in accordance with directives from the DGP office.

Demanding withdrawal of the memo, the devotees vowed to continue their protest until Ayyappa deeksha practitioners among police personnel are permitted to modify their uniform during the ritual period.