DISPUTE OVER NON-VEG SALES AT PUJA SITE

DISPUTE OVER NON-VEG SALES AT PUJA SITE

13-OCT-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR------------------------------A dispute arose regarding the sale of non-vegetarian food at a pizza outlet in the Satyadevganj area of ​​Buxar town during the Sharadiya Navratri festival. The local 'Jai Maa Bhavani Durga Puja Committee' demanded a ban on the sale and promotion of non-vegetarian food for the ten-day duration of Navratri. Following the escalation of protests and the receipt of a complaint, police from the town station arrived at the scene under the SDM's directives. After police intervention, the outlet operator assured that they would neither sell nor promote non-vegetarian food for the remainder of the Navratri period.

Sagar Kumar, Secretary of the Jai Maa Bhavani Durga Puja Committee, stated that an idol of Goddess Durga has been installed in a pandal at this location during Sharadiya Navratri since 1999. Devotees have been worshipping here with great enthusiasm for nearly 27 years. He alleged that the sale of non-vegetarian food within the vicinity of the puja pandal was hurting the religious sentiments of the devotees.

Prince Jaiswal, the committee's Vice President, mentioned that the outlet operator had previously been asked to halt the sale and promotion of non-vegetarian food for the ten days of Navratri. At that time, the operator had spoken of seeking permission from company officials. The committee alleges that sales continued despite the passage of two or three days, leading to growing resentment among the public. A written complaint regarding the matter has been submitted to the town police station by the puja committee, demanding action.

Shubham Kumar, a local youth, stated that no one has the right to hurt people's religious sentiments. He demanded that the sale of non-vegetarian food be stopped during Navratri. Local resident Priyesh Kumar stated that Durga Puja has been organized at the site in question for over 27 years. He alleged that the outlet's management behaved rudely while materials for the puja pandal were being brought in. The matter was subsequently reported to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM).

Acting on the SDM's instructions, City Station House Officer (SHO) Manoj Kumar Singh visited the site and spoke with both parties. The SHO stated that the outlet operator had been consulted and had assured that the sale of non-vegetarian food would be suspended and all related promotional activities halted during Navratri. The dispute was resolved following police intervention. Compliance with the operator's assurance will now be monitored for the remainder of the Navratri period.