Two Hyderabad constables’ small gesture on Eid ul Fitr teaches a lesson to always respect the beliefs of others even if they aren’t on par with yours. A video went viral on social media of two constables helping worshipers who had gathered on the streets for their prayers. The worshipers were using cardboard sheets as prayer mats and due to the wind, the sheets were flying away. The constables considered the fact that they were praying and didn’t want to disturb them. So the cops used their caps to hold the sheets down.
The video got 50,000 views and nearly 3,200 reactions on the official city police Facebook page. The constables were Venkatesh Naik and V. Pratap Singh who were posted at the Kalapather police station. The two were kept on duty at Eidgah Mir Alam. The place where different people from all over the city come to offer their prayers.
Venkatesh Naik said, “It was windy, so I put my uniform cap on the paper sheets to prevent them from getting blown away. Since they were offering namaz, I did not want them to be disturbed. I did not want the man to put his head on the road.”
The 30 year old constable who joined the police force in 2010 explained the reason for his gesture implying that all religions must be respected. He further said, “As part of my duty as a policeman, I have to respect all faiths.”
V. Pratap Singh who followed Naik’s thoughtful gesture said, “It was an important day and a vital namaz for Muslims. I would have done the same for anybody. When we are on duty, we are taught to think of everybody as one, be it a Hindu or Muslim. We are trained to be like this as policemen.”
Pratap Singh went on to explain, “It is just a handful of people who give society and religion a bad name by bad deeds. Whatever they do goes viral. I live in a place where Muslims and Hindus are very good friends.”
People on the internet praised the two policemen. Rajinikanth Siddamsetty said, “I would like to congratulate Hyderabad police and the staff who are on duty. If possible please share their mobile numbers. I would like to give them some gifts for the heart touching job (sic).”
Syed Muzammil also praised the act of kindness and said, “I am really moved by this act of our Telangana police. Hats off to all in the department of the Telangana police.”
