Varanasi (UP), February 14 Lakhs of devotees visiting the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham for this Mahashivratri will witness a different approach from the police, who have been instructed to address visitors as "sir" or "madam" and greet devotees with folded hands.
Following a meeting on the police's treatment of devotees held in the Trimbakeshwar Hall within the temple complex on Thursday, a senior official stated that police personnel have been directed to avoid using harsh language, abusive words, or behaving indecently towards devotees under any circumstances.
Misconduct will result in disciplinary action, the police said.
Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal said on Friday that an estimated 15-20 lakh devotees are expected to visit Kashi on Sunday, with police personnel receiving training in soft skills.
He said that elaborate preparations are underway to manage the massive crowd.
Agarwal stated that police personnel will address devotees visiting the temple premises as "sir" or "madam", and instructions have been given to all personnel at all entry points to greet devotees with folded hands.
"Special sensitivity will be shown towards senior citizens, women, and people with disabilities," he added. The police personnel will also assist as guides to ensure that all devotees can complete their 'darshan' with ease.
Agarwal said that senior officers will continuously monitor the behaviour of the police personnel deployed at the temple premises from the control room.
Any instances of misconduct or negligence by officers towards devotees will lead to strict disciplinary action in accordance with regulations, he said.