Akhilesh Yadav Slams UP Govt Over Deployment of Cops in Priests’ Attire at Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Varanasi: In response to the increasing number of devotees at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, the Uttar Pradesh police have introduced a controversial strategy. Officers dressed as priests are now stationed at the temple to assist in crowd control and ensure a smoother experience for visitors.

This move has sparked debate, with Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav criticising the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision. He questioned the appropriateness of having police officers disguised as priests and raised concerns about potential security risks.

Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Aggarwal defended the initiative, stating that it aims to enhance the devotees’ experience by providing them with a better view of the deity and minimizing complaints about ill-treatment by police officers.

Aggarwal emphasized that officers disguised as priests will adhere to a ‘no-touch policy’ to prevent any discomfort among devotees. Additionally, uniformed police officers will be stationed outside the temple to manage the crowd and ensure the safety of visitors.

To enforce the ‘no-touch policy’ effectively, measures such as creating a designated area with ropes during VIP movements will be implemented. This is intended to maintain a safe distance between devotees and prevent overcrowding.

Furthermore, police officers assigned to temple duty will undergo specialized training to enhance their communication skills and provide assistance to non-Hindi speaking devotees. Additionally, a helpdesk will be set up within the temple premises to address any queries or concerns from visitors.