Amaravati: At a stall serving betel-leaf/nut (paans), empty cigarette containers were arranged in such manner that it was making mockery of Sree Ganesh. This was noticed by Shri. Hemnat Khatri, a member of HJS. By using the empty containers of cigarette, a trunk of Lord Ganesh was displayed on the wall of ‘Vyankatesh Paan Mandir’. The stall-owner was pointed out that the design of trunk of Lord Ganesh with cigarette boxes was denigrating the Lord. Shri. Khatri told him to remove it immediately.
He further told the vendor that such display had hurt his feelings as a Hindu. The vendor was also warned that if the wall-hanging was not removed, members of HJS would complaint to the police. The vendor pleaded with Shri. Khatri that the material was provided by the cigarette company. But Shri. Khatri told him since it was his shop, complaint would be made against him. Later in the night, it was noticed that the controversial piece was removed.
