New Delhi, December 27, 2025:
A controversy has erupted in Chhattisgarh after a police officer was seen touching the feet of spiritual leader Dhirendra Krishna Shastri at Raipur airport. The incident, which occurred on December 25, has triggered sharp political reactions and raised questions about conduct, faith, and the use of government resources.
Incident Caught on Camera at Raipur Airport
Dhirendra Shastri, the head priest of Bageshwar Dham, arrived in Raipur on a state-owned aircraft to attend a religious programme in Bhilai. He was accompanied by Chhattisgarh minister and BJP leader Guru Khushwant Saheb.
A video from the airport soon went viral on social media. In the clip, an on-duty police officer is seen first saluting the minister and then removing his cap and shoes before touching Shastri’s feet in a traditional gesture of respect. The officer later resumed duty in uniform.
The visuals sparked widespread debate, with many questioning whether such an act was appropriate while performing official responsibilities.
Congress Alleges Misuse of Government Machinery
The opposition Indian National Congress strongly criticised the incident. Chhattisgarh Congress communication head Sushil Anand Shukla alleged that using a government aircraft for a religious leader amounted to misuse of public funds.
He demanded clarification on who authorised the aircraft and accused the state government of promoting superstition at taxpayers’ expense. The party also questioned the neutrality expected from uniformed personnel.
BJP Calls It a Matter of Personal Faith
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party defended the officer and dismissed the criticism. BJP leaders said the act reflected personal belief and should not be politicised.
State BJP spokesperson Santosh Pandey argued that people of different faiths express religious sentiments in public spaces and questioned why this particular incident was being singled out. According to the party, showing respect to a religious figure does not undermine professional duty.
Police Take Disciplinary Action
Despite the political back-and-forth, the police department took administrative action. On December 26, the officer involved, identified as Manish Tiwari, the SHO of Mana Basti police station, was “line-attached,” a move generally seen as a temporary disciplinary measure.
Senior police officials stated that while personal faith is respected, uniformed officers are expected to maintain neutrality and dignity while on duty.
Debate Over Faith and Official Conduct Continues
The incident has reignited a larger discussion on the balance between religious beliefs and professional responsibilities in a secular state. While opinions remain divided, the video continues to circulate widely, keeping the issue firmly in the public spotlight.
