A recent controversy has erupted in Hyderabad after a poster featuring the jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi was depicted on the route from one of those Hanuman Jayanti parades showing the idolization of his followers in public space.
During the rally, a poster was exhibited that has the phrase 'Aap Ka Baap Aa Raha Hai' to it as well as one believed to be of Lawrence Bishnoi. A photograph of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj along with this poster was on display too and the reaction of the people of India and online users was fierce.
If this is not a crime, why is this celebrity now being depicted in the middle of the celebration? It’s shocking and disturbing to some people in a big party and not the person that will be in jail. Hanuman Jayanti, a festival celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman, is celebrated with dedication that gives rise to an elaborate ceremony and, as is tradition with many such festivals, songs, processions, etc. So when controversial images are included in such events (and now also other so-called festival symbols) I think things have changed for youth.
AAP KA BAAP AA RAHA HAI!!!
— Revathi (@revathitweets) April 2, 2026
This was the along on Lawrence Bishoni’s poster that was paraded in the Hanuman Jayanthi rally in Hyderabad today!! Why is his poster along with Chatrapati Shivaji?
WTF has Lawrence Bishnoi,a gangster and a terrorist got to do with Hanuman Jayanthi… pic.twitter.com/a9muu1Ihyq
Several people and community members have voiced disappointment at the continued glorification of criminal backgrounds as well as society. The bad side of such worship goes far beyond the public record of which the community is responsible, which is that we send negative signals to the younger generation.
It’s not certain yet who arranged or approved the publication of that poster, but an investigation has begun by local officials, the publication said. Police have not made any official admission yet but will investigate whether or not any laws may have been violated during the procession.
A growing influence of social media and pop culture could cause incidents to rise, that is, controversial people will get press attention and, sometimes, too little admiration. Awareness and moderation are critical for many, such as in human, public places and cultural events, and researchers stress.
The outcome reignited the debate about accountability and organization of large processions in order to achieve the end goal, which is for religious celebrations to become more meaningful or worthwhile.
All the discussions have people using the media so much that as debate and debate continue, some want to monitor public events closely to stop them all so that public events are respectful and not an outbreak of controversy that could destroy people's emotions and be destructive of social harmony.
