Nagarkurnool – Devotees visiting the Umamaheshwar Temple in Achampet Mandal faced serious inconvenience on Monday after police blocked access to the temple for hours. The temple, a popular spot for worshippers, especially on Mondays, is perched on a hill and attracts large crowds.
This time, however, worshippers were stopped midway by police officers who said a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) was scheduled to visit. The police halted entry for over six hours, leaving hundreds of devotees stranded under the scorching sun.
Many devotees expressed anger and disappointment. They said they were not informed in advance about the MLA’s visit and questioned why their religious visit was interrupted. “We came for darshan, not a political event,” one frustrated devotee said.
People reported waiting from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., without any clear explanation. Families, including elderly and children, struggled in the heat. Some had come for vehicle pooja, and their cars were stuck in long queues with no movement.
As frustration grew, devotees criticized both the temple management and local police. Several people claimed that police even took away mobile phones, adding to their distress and confusion.
The crowd demanded answers. Many asked why a public religious place was blocked for a political figure. Some questioned the legality of the police action.
In response, local police tried to downplay the situation, saying the delay was short. But those on the ground strongly disagreed, insisting they were held up for hours.
Now, devotees are urging the local MLA to make sure such an incident doesn’t happen again. They want clear communication and respect for their religious practices, without political interference.
