Christian Forum Leader’s Arrest Sparks Religious Tensions in Raipur
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Arun Pannalal, the Christian forum leader was arrested after he made an "objectionable" remark on Facebook. His arrest came after BJP Spokesperson filed a complaint against him at the Civil Lines Police Station.
By The Slate Media Staff
New Delhi, August 9: An office-bearer of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum was arrested in Raipur allegedly after he made an "objectionable comment" on Lord Shiva, police said on Saturday. According to them, the complaint was filed by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson, who had also submitted purported digital evidence to support his allegations.
The accused, identified as Arun Pannalal, allegedly posted the "highly objectionable" comment on a Facebook post by Hansraj Goyal. He was arrested late Friday night following a complaint lodged by BJP spokesperson Amit Chimnani at the Civil Lines police station, a police official said.
The complainant submitted URLs and screenshots of the posts and comments to the police, the official said.
The complainant alleged that the comments hurt the sentiments of followers of Hinduism and Sanatan Dharma and were made with the intention of promoting hatred and enmity between different communities, potentially disturbing peace and public order.
Police registered a case against Pannalal and Goyal under Sections 196 (promoting enmity between different groups), 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) and 352(2) (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the official said.
Efforts are underway to trace Goyal, he added.
Meanwhile, Bajrang Dal workers and leaders staged a protest at Pannalal's house in Raipur on Friday night. Heavy police deployment was made in the area during the protest.
Further investigation is underway, police said.
(With PTI Inputs)
