Hyderabad : A controversy over non-vegetarian food stalls at a Durga puja pandal at NTR Stadium, Lower Tank Bund Road, has prompted organisers of another major puja event in Gachibowli to approach the police, seeking preventive measures against any attempts to disrupt the celebrations.
A Domalguda police officer said some individuals had approached the organisers with objections to the sale of non-vegetarian food and were informed that the practice had been followed for years without controversy. Indranil Aditya, associated with the organisers, said concerns arose after reports of the NTR Stadium incident. We do not want any disharmony at the puja,” he said.
“Durga puja is a cultural and religious event open to everyone. Bengali cuisine includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, and people from different backgrounds participate in the celebrations. In its representation, the association expressed concern over objections being raised against food vendors and non-vegetarian stalls, warning that such incidents could escalate into attempts to intimidate vendors or disrupt the festival. The organisers urged the police to maintain law and order and ensure that any grievances are addressed through legal channels. The organisers clarified that the request was purely precautionary and not directed against any individual or group.
Amid the controversy, Utsab Cultural Association, which is organising its annual Durga puja at the National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Gachibowli, submitted a representation to the Raidurgam police on Saturday seeking preventive action. Police acknowledged receiving the representation on Saturday.