A significant incident has unfolded in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, raising serious questions about conduct and discipline within the police department. Station House Officer (TI) Manish Tiwari has been line-attached following the viral circulation of a video showing him touching the feet of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the head priest of Bageshwar Dham, while on duty at Raipur Airport. This administrative action underscores the strict adherence expected from uniformed. Personnel to service rules and the dignity of their position.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred when Dhirendra Krishna Shastri arrived at Raipur Airport for a religious discourse. As per protocol and security arrangements, TI Manish Tiwari, who was on duty at the airport, first saluted Dhirendra Krishna Shastri. Immediately after rendering the salute, he bent down and touched the religious leader's feet, while this entire sequence of events was recorded by an individual on a mobile phone and subsequently posted on social media platforms. The video quickly went viral, sparking a considerable debate within the police administration and among the general public, while the footage clearly depicts a uniformed officer expressing personal reverence towards a religious guru while on official duty, an act deemed contrary to established service regulations.
Administrative Action and Its Rationale
Following the widespread circulation of the video, senior officials within the police department faced scrutiny. According to police department rules, a uniformed officer performing such an act of personal reverence, whether towards a religious guru or any individual, while on duty, is considered a violation of the uniform's dignity and service rules, while the police force is expected to maintain impartiality and neutrality, and any display of personal faith during duty hours can create a conflict with official conduct. Taking serious note of the matter, senior authorities initiated immediate action based on the violation of rules, leading to TI Manish Tiwari being line-attached. Being line-attached means the officer is removed from field duty and instructed to report to headquarters, serving as an initial disciplinary measure.
Message from the Police Department
This action is viewed as a crucial step towards upholding the honor of the uniform and maintaining the impartiality of the police force. Through this measure, the police department has sent a clear signal that the boundaries between personal faith and official conduct are distinctly defined, and any transgression won't be tolerated. Police officers are in public service, and their every action is under public scrutiny. Because of this, their conduct directly impacts the department's image. This incident also serves as a warning to other officers to maintain professional conduct during their duties and to separate personal sentiments from official responsibilities.
Dhirendra Shastri's Popularity and Views
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the head priest of Bageshwar Dham, is a. Highly popular religious leader with millions of followers across the country. His discourses attract massive crowds, and he frequently expresses his opinions on various social and political issues. His popularity is evident from the large gatherings at the airport upon his arrival, and even officers find it challenging to refrain from expressing their devotion. Recently, Dhirendra Shastri also raised the issue of atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, expressing his deep concern over the situation.
Dhirendra Shastri's Statement on Bangladeshi Hindus
Dhirendra Shastri described the situation of Hindus in Bangladesh as unfortunate. He stated that it has become imperative for the Indian government to take significant steps for Hindus in Bangladesh, while according to him, if no concrete action is taken, the identity of Hindus in Bangladesh would be at risk. He emphasized that if assistance isn't provided now, the concept of Hindu unity would become meaningless. Dhirendra Shastri advocated for the protection of Bangladeshi Hindus and suggested that Bangladeshi Hindus should be given a place in India instead of other Bangladeshis residing there. This statement highlights his active involvement in social and political. Matters, which is another reason for his appeal among his followers. This incident, while raising questions about police discipline, also underscores the growing influence of religious leaders.
