Ayyappa devotees protest police memo restricting religious practices

A large group of BJP Yuva Morcha workers and Ayappa devotees staged a protest outside the Telangana DGP office on Thursday, expressing anger over an internal police memo that restricts personnel from following certain visible customs of the “Ayappa Deeksha” while on duty. The memo reportedly bars policemen from growing beards or hair, wearing black attire, or walking barefoot during the Deeksha period.

The protesters raised slogans against the police department and attempted to push their way into the DGP office before security personnel blocked them. Later, they submitted a memorandum to DGP B. Sivasagar Reddy and Additional DGP Mahesh M. Bhagwat, demanding that the controversial memo be withdrawn immediately.

BJP Yuva Morcha leaders alleged that the order had hurt the sentiments of Hindus and Ayappa devotees. They also sought an official apology from the police department. Ganesh Kunde, the state president of the Yuva Morcha, urged the government to ensure that similar incidents do not recur and said that religious practices should be respected as long as they fall within service rules.

The memo, issued recently to a sub-inspector, reiterates earlier instructions prohibiting on-duty police staff from wearing black clothing, growing beards as part of the Deeksha, or working barefoot. It states that religious observances cannot interfere with the uniform and discipline expected while on duty. Personnel wishing to observe Deeksha are advised to apply for leave.

The order has already drawn criticism from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and suspended BJP MLA T. Raja Singh, who questioned whether such restrictions apply only to Hindu officers. He alleged that personnel from other communities are allowed more freedom to practice their religious customs during festivals.

A senior police official, responding to the controversy, said the memo was meant for internal communication and that an inquiry is underway into how it was leaked.