Patna, April 26 -- Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar issued a new directive that has triggered debate across the state.

In an order issued on April 18, he instructed police personnel not to wear any religious symbols, including a tilak or sandalwood marks, on their forehead while in uniform and on duty. He said such practices violate the police manual and warned strict disciplinary action against those who failed to compile.

"The police force must maintain a professional image. It is mandatory for personnel to wear caps and belts while on duty, and uniforms without them will be treated as incomplete," DGP Kumar had said.

In addition, women police personnel have been directed to avoid "excessive" makeup while on duty. T...