Row Over IAS Officer’s Comments On Temple Loudspeakers; Hindu Group Protests

A senior IAS officer in Madhya Pradesh, Shailbala Martin, sparked controversy by highlighting noise pollution from temple loudspeakers. Her comments followed a debate after a 13-year-old boy’s death during a Durga idol immersion with loud DJ music. The right-wing group Sanskriti Bachao Manch announced plans to protest against Martin, asserting that she had no right to offend Hindu sentiments.