Bathukamma celebrations trigger dispute in Pocharam colony

Bathukamma celebrations at Balaji Colony in Pocharam led to a dispute after a serving DSP-rank police official allegedly objected to music played by women. Police said they received complaints from both sides and were inquiring into the incident.

HYDERABAD: A controversy erupted over Bathukamma celebrations at Balaji Colony in Pocharam on the city outskirts after a serving DSP-rank police official allegedly objected to women playing music during the festivities on Sunday.

The incident occurred when residents were celebrating Bathukamma near the colony’s community hall. The police official, who resides in the colony, allegedly objected to the music, claiming that it was causing a disturbance. This led to an argument between him and the colony president.

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Siddartha Gollapelli, a resident of the colony, alleged that the official asked the women not to play music during the Bathukamma celebrations.

“The police official warned the women against playing music during the celebrations, claiming that it was causing a disturbance. We approached the police and lodged a complaint, demanding action against the official for his behaviour,” Siddartha told reporters.

Pocharam IT Corridor Inspector G Jagannath said the police received a Dial 100 call from a resident on Sunday complaining about noise pollution.

“Our team went to the spot and later learnt that the call had been made by a police official. An argument also took place between the colony president and the official. We have received complaints from both parties and are inquiring into the matter,” he said.