Devotees Slam Overenthusiasm of Traffic Police at Karmanghat Hanuman Mandir

Hyderabad: Every Tuesday and Saturday, the Karmanghat Hanuman Mandir buzzes with devotees. However, discomfort comes from the traffic police, who snapped pictures of devotees' vehicles parked at the entrance of the temple and issued challans.

This has drawn flak from the locals and devotees. "I understand the need for traffic management, but it is intrusive to have our vehicles photographed every time we come to pray. It disrupts the spiritual experience,” said Sharada, whose vehicle was booked.

"While we appreciate the efforts to manage traffic, it does make the devotees uncomfortable. Apparently, it seems like they issue challans just to collect money, not for any valid reason. When I was parking my vehicle near my shop, a police officer issued me a challan, even though I have a shop here. It is ridiculous.”

It is a similar tale near the Rythu Bazaar.

“Traffic has been a major concern during peak hours. The police are doing their best to address it, but we wonder why the traffic police are quick to take pictures of parked vehicles but are not keen on coming up with designated parking lots,” lamented a local resident Shashidhar.

"Our duty is to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent congestion near the temple. By documenting vehicles, we can keep track of violations,” said Rachakonda police commissioner Sudheer Babu.