Cops defy ‘no deeksha’ rule, put on black robes

Hyderabad: Despite the Telangana government’s circular on November 25 asking police personnel not to wear tradition black attire while taking up Ayyappa deeksha (penance period), surprisingly many of them seem to pay no heed to the diktat and continue to be clad in the conspicuous black robes and sporting beard.

Cops under Osmania University police station limits were seen on two consecutive days clad in khaki uniform with black ‘kanduvas’, walking barefoot while on duty.

Though the orders have been sent to all district SPs and Commissioners from the DG office, a few of the zones under Hyderabad Commissionerate have not issued the circular among their teams, sources said.

When asked DCP (Central) Kamalasan Reddy about issuance of such memo, he said, “It has been circulated in our zone. According to the circular, the cops can take leave if they observe ‘Ayyappa deeksha’. They will not be allowed to wear black dress and grow their beard and hair while on duty.”

Though other zones have not issued the memo so far this year, Kamalasan Reddy has circulated it in his zone and instructed not to entertain applications for permission of wearing black clothes.

Meanwhile in Cyberabad commissionerate, senior officials are a little soft on this particular religious issue. Senior officials have allowed their men to have ‘half deeksha’ during duty, according to sources. “They have to wear full uniform. They are not allowed to keep beard or barefoot while on duty,” an official said.