Ayyappa devotees stage protest in Vikarabad against derogatory comments

VIKARABAD: Ayyappa devotees and members of a community on Friday staged sit-in protests across Vikarabad against the derogatory comments passed by an atheist against Lord Ayyappa.

According to reports, at a programme held in Kodangal town of Vikarabad district, an atheist named Bairi Naresh allegedly made derogatory comments on the birth of Lord Ayyappa Swamy and other Gods which hurt the sentiments of a section of the public. Some people of Vikarabad, furious over Naresh’s comments, organised a protest and burnt the effigy of the atheist while demanding his arrest and severe punishment.

Vikarabad SP Koti Reddy, who responded to the incident, said that it was not appropriate for anyone to make such remarks on Gods and hurt religious sentiments of people. He also said that there would be strict action taken against anyone making such comments. "A case has been registered against Bairi Naresh and the accused will be punished as per law," the SP said.

The SP also advised organisers of similar meetings not to encourage such people who offend the religious sentiments and disturb peace and harmony in the society.