Disgrace to the Uniform: Drunk Constable Assaults Ayyappa Devotee, Tears Sacred Mala in Kakinada

Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh | India Prime Times Exclusive

In a deeply upsetting incident that has sparked outrage among religious communities, an Ayyappa devotee was allegedly assaulted by a police constable in Kakinada, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol. The situation escalated when the constable tore the devotee’s sacred Ayyappa Mala, a severe provocation during the period of the Ayyappa Deeksha.

The Incident Breakdown

The incident, which took place near the Kakinada Rural Police Station jurisdiction, involved a constable attached to the same station.

• The Victim: An Ayyappa Swamy, or devotee observing the stringent Ayyappa Deeksha (vow), was the target of the assault. The Deeksha involves a commitment to a set of religious rules and customs, the most visible symbol of which is the holy bead necklace (Mala) worn around the neck.
• The Offender: A constable from the Kakinada Rural Police Station, who was reportedly in a state of intoxication (madhyam matthulo).
• The Conflict: Initial reports suggest the constable attacked the devotee, possibly stemming from a minor roadside dispute or misunderstanding.
• The Violation: The most grievous part of the assault was the act of the constable allegedly tearing off the Ayyappa Mala from the devotee’s neck. For Ayyappa followers, the Mala is a representation of the Deeksha itself, and its removal, especially through force, is considered a highly disrespectful and sacrilegious act.

Community Outrage and Police Assurance

The news of the attack and the desecration of the sacred symbol spread quickly among the Ayyappa community, leading to a massive protest.

• The Protest: Large numbers of Ayyappa devotees, known collectively as Ayyappa Swamulu, gathered at the Kakinada Rural Police Station to protest the constable’s misconduct and demand immediate justice.
• The Demand: The devotees vehemently protested the constable’s deplorable behavior and demanded strict action for the assault and the sacrilege of their religious symbols.
• Official Intervention: To pacify the angry crowd, Circle Inspector (CI) Peddiraju intervened. The CI assured the assembled devotees that a case would be registered against the constable and strict disciplinary action would be taken according to the law and police departmental rules.
• Peace Restored: Following the clear assurance from CI Peddiraju, the Ayyappa devotees agreed to call off their protest and dispersed peacefully.

The Weight of the Misconduct

This incident is viewed not just as a case of simple assault but as a serious instance of police misconduct and a profound lack of respect for religious sentiments. A police officer, particularly one in uniform, is expected to uphold the law and maintain public order, not break it while under the influence of alcohol.

The act of tearing the Mala is particularly damaging to the police department’s reputation, as it strikes at the core of religious faith and practice, especially in a state like Andhra Pradesh where the Ayyappa pilgrimage is widely observed. The public is now keenly watching to see if the promised strict action will be delivered to restore faith in the system.