Hyderabad Police holds meeting with 350 temple representatives amid rise in desecration incidents

In the meeting, the DCP instructed officials to strengthen security at religious sites, including installing comprehensive CCTV coverage with a backup of at least 30 to 45 days and ensuring adequate lighting both inside and around the temples. The official emphasized the need for trained watchmen for 24/7 security and stressed the importance of regularly emptying garbage bins to prevent stray dogs and animals from scattering food remains.

Hyderabad: In view of the rise in incidents of desecration of religious places in the city, the Hyderabad police on Saturday organized a coordination meeting wherein around 350 representatives from various temples located in northern areas of the city participated.

The meeting was chaired by S. Rashmi Perumal, DCP (North), who underscored the importance of proactive measures to ensure the safety and sanctity of temples, especially during the festive seasons in the wake of recent incidents.

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During the meeting, the DCP asked the officials to enhance security measures at the religious places including having a comprehensive CCTV coverage with a minimum of 30 to 45 days backup and adequate lighting both inside and around temple. The official stressed having trained watchmen for round-the-clock security and to ensure that garbage bins are emptied frequently to prevent stray dogs or animals from spreading food remains.

The DCP appealed to management committees to avoid sticking posters of deities or religious symbols on temple compound walls, as it might lead to desecration by vagabonds, mentally unsound individuals, or miscreants.

Rashmi Perumal urged temple managements to partner in raising awareness about social media rumours, drug menace, cybercrime, online offenses, and crimes against women, particularly on platforms frequented by local communities.

The temple authorities were requested to display the contact numbers of the local Station House Officer, sector SIs, and the emergency number ‘100’ prominently within the temple.