Security upped at Nepali temple, a symbol of Kashi-Kathmandu connect
VARANASI: Security at the Nepali temple near Lalita Ghat here has been beefed up as a preventive measure, following the recent incident of pasting of controversial posters, allegedly by the Vishwa Hindu Sena (VHS) members. The posters carried controversial slogans against the Nepal prime minister for his remark regarding Lord Ram. As the matter came to light, police removed the posters.
On July 16, VHS members had tonsured the head of a local youth, claiming he was a Nepalese. They also wrote ‘Jai Sriram’ on the tonsured head of the youth and forced him to chant slogans against the Nepal PM. VHS members paid Rs 1,000 to the youth and also made the video of the whole incident viral on social media.
Thereafer, police registered a case against VHS chief Arun Pathak and six others. Six members of VHS were arrested last Friday, though Arun Pathak is still at large.
According to circle officer Dashashwamedh Awadhesh Pandey, “Security at the Nepali temple, which is also known as Pashupatinath Mahadev Mandir, has been beefed up. Cops have been asked to keep a strict vigil. Strict action would be taken if anyone tries to put up controversial posters.”
Pandey personally monitors the security at the temple.
To note, this Nepali temple is a symbol not only of Kashi-Kathmandu connection but also strong cultural bond between India and Nepal. The Nepali temple, also known as Lord Pashupatinath temple, was built in 1840 by the then king of Nepal Ranbahadur Shah.