Tension at Tadkeshwar over alleged police misconduct

Jaipur: Tensions prevailed in the walled city Monday after priests of the Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple staged a four-hour protest by closing the temple's main gate, following an alleged incident of police misconduct during Maha Shivratri celebrations the day before. The main entrance was shut from 12 noon to 4pm, although a smaller gate remained accessible for devotees wishing to offer their prayers.The unrest stemmed from an incident on Sunday involving Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Suresh Sharma, who is accused of misbehaving with temple priests and devotees while attempting to manage the crowd at the temple during the festival. The priests Monday demanded his suspension. During talks between the police and the priests, the police sought three days' time to decide on further action. Agreeing to it, priests warned of a larger agitation if action was not taken within the stipulated time. The accused policeman was later removed for the field posting. Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Karan Sharma confirmed that ASI Sharma had been removed from his posting at the Manak Chowk police station and will be reassigned to his office pending an investigation into the complaint. Assistant Commissioner of Police Surendra Singh Ranawat was assigned to probe the matter.
Vimal Sharma, one of the priests, told TOI, "On Maha Shivratri, the second phase of the ritual was due. As per tradition, the mahant and his family perform the puja first, after which devotees are allowed darshan. At that time, policeman Sharma arrived and began pulling devotees out of the crowd. Several devotees and members of our family were injured." He added, "We shut the temple for nearly two hours Sunday evening in protest. However, as no action was taken against the policeman until Monday morning. We then decided to close the main gate again from noon to 4pm. A smaller gate was kept open for devotees." BJP's Hawa Mahal MLA Balmukundacharya reached the temple Monday, offering assurances that action would be taken against the offending officer.