Varanasi: Posters asking non-Hindus to stay away from the Ganga ghats and temples on the banks of the river were put up in Varanasi, prompting the police to launch an investigation.
Police said posters purportedly put up by right-wing outfits were being removed.
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“Ghats and temples on the banks of Maa Ganga in Kashi are symbols of Sanatan Dharma, Indian culture, faith and belief. Those who have faith and belief in Sanatan Dharma are welcome. Otherwise, it is not a picnic spot,” read a poster written in Hindi went.
The poster read “Access Prohibited – Non-Hindu” and ended by saying “This is not a request, but a warning”.
Images and videos of such posters purportedly put up by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and its youth wing, Bajrang Dal, also surfaced on social media platforms.
Officials said that the Varanasi Police has taken cognizance of the matter and has started investigation.
A police officer told PTI, “The matter is being investigated by the local Bhelupur police station. The people seen in the videos and pictures are being identified.
“As of now, no written complaint has been made to the police. However, the police took note of the episode after it was highlighted by some local groups. The posters are being removed with their help,” he said.
The holy city of eastern Uttar Pradesh attracts tourists from all over the world.
Considered one of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi is also the Lok Sabha constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Bajrang Dal’s Kashi Metropolitan Coordinator Nikhil Tripathi “Rudra” told PTI, “Non-Hindus violate the purity of the ghats. That’s why this warning has been issued to them.”
He said that the warning to stay away from the ghats is for those who do not believe in Sanatan Dharma and alleged that such people consume alcohol and non-vegetarian food at the ghats.
“Recently pictures of girls drinking beer at a ghat had come to the fore. Ghats and temples are symbols of Sanatan Dharma. These are not picnic spots. If such a person is seen on the ghat, we will grab them and hand them over.” He was handed over to the police,” Tripathi said.
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