'Guard of honor' for 'kathavachak' at Police Lines in UP stirs controversy

Lucknow: A ‘guard of honor’ is usually given to the heads of foreign countries during their visits or martyrs as a mark of respect but in Uttar Pradesh a ‘kathavachak’ (a religious story teller) was reportedly accorded the honor by the police personnel at Police Lines in Bahraich district, sparking controversy.

According to the sources, the state police chief has sought an explanation from the superintendent of police, Bahraich in this regard.

Although the incident occurred in the month of October, it came to light when videos and reels purportedly showing the ‘katahvachak’ Pundrik Goswami being given a ‘guard of honor’ at the Police Lines went viral on social media platforms on Thursday.

The district police chief was also present during the ceremony, which was organized at the Police Parade Ground, as a ‘yajman’ (the person in whose name a ritual is undertaken).

Police sources said that the Police Parade Ground could be used only for training and official events in accordance with the laid down protocols.

Reports said that Goswami was invited by the senior district police officials to deliver religious sermons before the cops.

The district police officials said that the event was held as a ‘motivational program’ and to reduce stress on the police personnel during their training. They also said that as many as 28 police personnel had resigned in the past.

Bheem Army founder and MP Chandrashekhar alias Ravan said that the guard of honor to the preacher was an insult to the Constitution.