Varanasi Police Don Priests’ Attire And Tilak On Forehead To Enhance Temple Security

In a bid to foster a more welcoming ambiance at the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Varanasi police have introduced a distinctive change: male personnel donning traditional dhoti-kurtas, adorned with a tilak on their foreheads akin to the temple priests. Positioned at each of the temple’s four sanctum sanctorum gates, these personnel are joined by female officers clad in khaki uniforms, stationed approximately 15 meters away to oversee the surroundings. 

The deployment strategy entails rotational shifts, ensuring a continuous presence of officers while accommodating a comprehensive three-day communication skills training program. Emphasizing a strict no-touch policy, the initiative aims to enhance devotees’ sense of respect and comfort, particularly during periods of high footfall and VIP visits., Commissioner of Varanasi Police, Mohit Agarwal, underscored the experimental nature of these measures, subject to a 15-day trial followed by evaluation and decision-making. “Our objective is to elevate the overall visitor experience and dispel any apprehensions associated with police presence,” remarked a senior police official. 

Acknowledging the challenge posed by lengthy queues, officials stressed the importance of maintaining a friendly demeanor to prevent devotee agitation. The use of ropes, rather than physical intervention, is encouraged to facilitate crowd management, ensuring minimal disruption to queues, even during VIP movements., However, the initiative faced criticism from opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, who questioned the appropriateness of police personnel emulating priests. Yadav’s concerns centered on potential exploitation by criminals under the guise of authority. Nevertheless, the administration remains committed to enhancing security without compromising the sanctity of the temple., With around 800 police personnel stationed on rotational duty, including approximately 250 officers at any given time, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple continues to attract a staggering five lakh devotees daily, underscoring the significance of effective security measures in preserving the sacred atmosphere.