Tirupati police denies ‘lathi charge’ rumours amid festival controversy

Faced with charges of alleged high-handedness against devotees during the Mahasivaratri festival at Srikalahasti temple, the Police Department has brushed aside the charges and pointed out that the act became necessary to restore order and was in the interests of the devotees.

It may be recalled that a large number of ‘Siva Swamis’, who tried to carry the idol proceeding on ‘Nandi Vahanam’ on their shoulders, were prevented by the police from doing so, as it could lead to a chaos.

The incident, however, went viral on social media, where the police was seen resorting to ‘lathi charge’ on the devotees carrying the idol.

Meanwhile, the Tirupati district police pointed out that the ‘Siva Swamis’ had behaved in an undisciplined manner and tried to snatch the carrier (Vahanam) by force, leading to the carrier tilting to one side.

“The act could have potentially led to a chaotic situation and our police persons responded in time to restore order, thus saving the devotees from imminent injury,” Superintendent of Police (SP) L. Subbarayudu said.

After the news spread on social media on a negative light, the police department appealed to the devotees not to get carried away by the frivolous charge. In the same vein, Mr. Subbarayudu also warned the miscreants of serious action for making baseless allegations against the department.