A visit by Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty to the 11th-century Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar has sparked a controversy, highlighting the contentious issue of VIP privilege and lax enforcement of temple regulations. Shetty, who visited the shrine on Monday evening, was seen recording her visit on her mobile phone, despite a strict ban on such devices within the temple premises.
The actress later shared photos and videos of her visit on social media, drawing criticism from the public, who accused temple authorities of turning a blind eye to rules for VIP visitors. This perceived favoritism has ignited a debate about the need for consistent enforcement of regulations, regardless of an individual's status or influence.
Show-cause notice issued
Amidst the public outcry, the Lingaraj Temple administration has issued a show-cause notice to Niti Supervisor Raj Kishore Mohapatra, who was seen accompanying Shetty and explaining the temple's significance to her. The notice questions Mohapatra's failure to enforce the mobile phone ban and seeks an explanation for the apparent breach of temple regulations.
Blame game ensues
However, the temple servitors have shifted the blame onto the police personnel deployed at the temple, accusing them of allowing VIPs to bypass security checks and bring mobile phones into the shrine, even into the sanctum sanctorum. They allege that this is a recurring issue, with police officers often turning a blind eye to VIPs flouting the rules.
"Last week, two VIPs entered the shrine with mobile phones, yet no action was taken," claimed servitor Shiba Prasad Mohapatra. "This has always been the case, and it's the police who need to be held accountable for preventing such violations."
This incident has exposed the challenges of maintaining the sanctity of religious places while balancing the need for accessibility and security. It highlights the importance of consistent enforcement of regulations and the need for transparency and accountability from both temple authorities and law enforcement agencies.
The Lingaraj Temple, a revered place of worship for millions, must uphold its rules and regulations without prejudice or favoritism. Ensuring that all visitors, regardless of their social standing, adhere to the temple's guidelines is crucial for preserving its sanctity and ensuring a respectful environment for all devotees.