A police officer in Hyderabad faces rejection after requesting permission to wear black clothing and grow a beard for Ayyappa Deeksha religious observance while working. The city’s police department denied the application through an official memo.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has stepped forward to challenge this decision. They claim the police action shows unfair treatment toward Hindu religious practices.
Dr Ravinuthala Sashidhar, who speaks for VHP nationally, used social media platform X on Tuesday to address top police officials. He contacted both the Cyberabad Commissioner and Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar directly.
The VHP spokesperson pointed out what he sees as double standards. He noted that Muslim officers regularly keep beards during their service without facing similar restrictions or memo rejections.
Dr Sashidhar brought up past events where the police department supported Islamic religious activities. Officers attended Iftar dinners at the famous Falaknuma Palace wearing traditional caps and sherwanis.
During Ramzan, Muslim police personnel receive time off for afternoon prayers and evening meals. This flexibility contrasts sharply with the treatment given to the Hindu officer’s religious request.
The VHP leader emphasized that fair policies must apply to everyone equally. While police services need discipline and standard appearance, these rules should work the same way for all religious communities.
Dr Sashidhar called for respect toward every officer’s faith background. He argued that treating all religions fairly would make the police force stronger and more trustworthy.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions about religious expression within government services. The VHP demands that Hindu religious practices receive the same consideration given to other faiths in the workplace.
