Controversy arises as IAS officer challenges loudspeaker use in temples over noise pollution
Bhopal: A woman IAS officer from Madhya Pradesh has sparked controversy by suggesting that the state government's order regulating loudspeakers at places of worship may be executed with religious bias. Shailbala Martin, a 2009-batch IAS officer, raised concerns about noise pollution from temple loudspeakers, questioning why they are allowed to disturb residents late into the night.
In a post on X, she expressed support for Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's initiative to regulate loudspeakers in temples, mosques, and churches, emphasizing that such regulation should be applied uniformly across all religious venues to alleviate noise issues for everyone.
However, her comments have drawn criticism from the Hindu organization Samskrit Bachao Manch, which accused Martin of "communalizing" the issue and claimed her statements offended Hindu sentiments. The group’s leader, Chandrasekhar Tiwari, warned that her remarks could disrupt communal harmony and advised her to avoid such sensitive topics in the future.
In a political twist, the Congress party has accused the ruling BJP government of religious discrimination in enforcing the loudspeaker regulation. Congress spokesman Abbas Hafeez claimed that the implementation of the order reflects a bias based on religious considerations. He urged the state government to acknowledge the issue raised by the IAS officer and rectify any discriminatory practices.
BJP spokesman Milan Bhargav, however, refuted allegations of bias, asserting that the government is adhering to the rule of law and acting constitutionally. He stated that the government has set a precedent by implementing the order without discrimination.
This is not the first time Martin has faced backlash for her statements. Previously, she received heavy criticism on social media when she addressed the plight of women in Manipur while responding to posts criticizing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over an incident in Parliament.
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Two held for assaulting policemen over drinking in public
Bengaluru (PTI): Two police personnel on patrolling duty were allegedly abused and assaulted by a group of four youths after being asked not to consume alcohol in a public place, police said on Wednesday.
Two of the accused -- an engineering student and a software engineer, both in their 20s -- have been arrested in the case, they said.
Efforts are being made to nab the other two suspects, who have been identified, police added.
The incident occurred in the early hours of May 1, when the two personnel, attached to Amrutahalli police station, were patrolling on a two-wheeler near Akashavani Layout, they said.
According to police, while patrolling around 3 am, they noticed four youths who had stopped their car on the road and were consuming alcohol. When they were told to leave, as drinking alcohol in a public place is not permitted, one among them suddenly started abusing them.
When the policemen attempted to take out their lathi from the vehicle, the youths allegedly caught hold of them from behind, grabbed and dragged them, and tore one of their uniforms, the FIR stated.
They assaulted them with their hands and with rings worn, causing injuries to their faces. They also kicked them, causing pain, it said.
Thereafter, the accused allegedly snatched the key of their vehicle, pushed them to the ground, and fled the scene in their car at high speed, police said.
The policemen then immediately went to a hospital for treatment and lodged a complaint against four unknown youths, following which an FIR was registered against them under Sections 121(1) (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to deter a public servant from duty), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of duty), 304 (snatching), and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
"We have arrested two people in the case and efforts are being made to nab the other two suspects who have been identified," a senior police officer said.
