Police Stop Female Aghori from Entering Alampur Temple
The Gadwal Police recently prevented a female religious leader, known as an Aghori Naga Sadhu, from entering the Sri Jogulamba Bala Brahmeswara Swamy temple in Alampur. She planned to protest against the presence of an old shrine, the Shali Pahlwan Dargah, located inside the temple premises. This led to a tense situation at the famous pilgrimage site.
The temple, considered the fifth Shakti Peetham in India, has become the center of a growing controversy. The female Aghori had been speaking out on social media, claiming that the dargah’s presence was an intrusion on the temple’s sacred space. She argued that the dargah, which is believed to be around 700 years old, should be moved elsewhere to preserve the temple’s religious identity.
Fearing possible unrest, the Jogulamba Gadwal district police set up checkpoints on roads leading to Alampur. The Aghori was stopped at Bairapuram Chowrasta in Undavalli Mandal, far from the temple complex. A large police team, including DSP Mogulaiah, two Circle Inspectors, two female Sub-Inspectors, and several constables, was deployed to handle the situation.
Police officials informed the Aghori that she could not enter Alampur due to concerns about law and order. Despite their requests, she refused to abandon her protest. As a result, authorities seized her vehicle and arranged for it to be transported to Hyderabad using a private towing service.
A senior police official stated, “Our main goal is to maintain peace and prevent any communal tensions. We had credible information that her protest could lead to disturbances, so we took precautionary steps to ensure public safety.”
The incident has sparked mixed reactions among locals and religious groups. Some people support the Aghori’s demand, arguing that a dargah should not exist within a Hindu temple complex. Others have called for peace and dialogue, stressing the need to respect all religious traditions.
The Alampur temple complex is an important religious and cultural site with a rich history. The ongoing dispute over the Shali Pahlwan Dargah highlights the challenges of balancing religious sensitivities in a diverse society. Local authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation and have assured that they will take all necessary steps to maintain order.
