Police in Maharashtra’s Akola district on Tuesday have registered a case against Hindu religious leader Kalicharan Maharaj for using derogatory words against Mahatma Gandhi.
The FIR has been registered under sections 294 (obscene act) and 505 (2) (Statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred, or ill will between classes) of the IPC, based on a complaint from Congress leader, Prashant Gawande.
During a speech in a two-day ‘Dharam Sansad’ in Chhattisgarh’s Raipur this weekend,Kalicharan made derogatory statements against Gandhi and accused minorities of trying to control the politics and administration of various countries. He is also heard making speeches asking “Sanatani Hindus” to arm themselves.
“Kalicharan is a criminal with several crimes against him. Such derogatory comments against Mahatma Gandhi will not be tolerated and stern action will be taken as per law,” Indian Express quotes Congress leader, Prashant Gawande as saying.
NCP leader and Maharashtra Minority Affairs Minister Nawab Malik had raised the issue in the state Assembly and demanded that Kalicharan Maharaj be booked for treason and arrested.
“The MVA government will seek a report about the comments (of Kalicharan Maharaj) and take stern action,” Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had said.
At the two-day ‘Dharam Sansad,’ more than 20 religious leaders from across the state and the country gathered. In speeches, the leaders urged “Sanatani Hindus” to arm themselves and “be prepared” for the establishment of Hindu Rashtra.
Last week, several Hindutva leaders and Hindu monks, who addressed a 3-day Hindu Parliament ‘Dharam Sansad’ in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar, called for “war against Muslims” and urged “Hindus to take up weapons” to ensure a Muslim “didn’t become the Prime Minister in 2029.”
The speakers at the event had asked Hindus to buy weapons to commit genocide against Muslims. No arrests have been made yet despite the outrage from Opposition leaders, Muslim groups, and human rights defenders.
