Devotees fume at ‘VIP’ darshans at Medaram

Mulugu: Like many past jataras of Medaram Sammakka-Sarakka, the visit of so-called ‘very important persons’ (VIPs) is causing inconvenience to the common devotees who visit the tribal shrine to pay obeisance. “While a white clad person wearing a bracelet can zoom past as the policemen are always ready to open the barricades on seeing luxury […]

Mulugu: Like many past jataras of Medaram Sammakka-Sarakka, the visit of so-called ‘very important persons’ (VIPs) is causing inconvenience to the common devotees who visit the tribal shrine to pay obeisance.

“While a white clad person wearing a bracelet can zoom past as the policemen are always ready to open the barricades on seeing luxury car, we get upset when so-called VIP and his family members are allowed into the temple directly, forcing us to wait for hours in the queue lines,” laments Kranthi, a devotee from Hyderabad, who has been participating in the jatara for the last six years.

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The question devotees are asking is ‘who is a VIP.’ Several devotees are fuming at the influx of ‘VIP’s. However, the police claim that they are following due procedures to only allow the VIPs into the precincts of sacred platforms (Gaddelu) of Sammakka and Sarakka. A shocking incident on Tuesday, however, contradicts their claims. A newly recruited woman Sub-Inspector allegedly locked the gate and took the keys with her after allowing her family members and relatives ahead of District Collector Krishna Aditya’s visit to the shrine on Tuesday. “We were shocked by her attitude. She was not in a mood to listen to even though I tried to impress on her that I am also an officer,” said an official speaking to this newspaper.

Sources said the temple Executive Officer was also stopped by policemen recently when he visited the temple. “There have been complaints against newly-recruited SIs particularly the women police staff lacking the friendly-policing policy,” admitted a police officer. However, ASP Sudheer Ramnath Kekan said there may be cases of impatience on the part of policemen who work for long hours without rest. “However, we will try to resolve these issues and ensure smooth darshan for the devotees,” he added.

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