Religious Posts – Raipur Police File FIR Over Alleged Objectionable Social Media Remarks
Religious Posts –Police in Raipur have registered a case against two people following allegations that objectionable remarks about Hindu deities and religious practices were shared on social media.
The FIR was registered at Civil Lines Police Station in Chhattisgarh’s capital after a written complaint was submitted by BJP state spokesperson Amit Chimnani, accompanied by party workers and local residents. The complaint sought action over social media content that the complainants said had offended religious sentiments.
Facebook Post Leads to Police Complaint
According to details mentioned in the FIR, Hansraj Goyal has been named as the main accused in the case. Police allege that remarks were published from his Facebook account concerning Hindu religious beliefs and several widely worshipped deities.
The complaint refers to comments involving Lord Shiva, Ram, Krishna, Vishnu, Hanuman, Indra, Brahma and Ganesh. The complainants alleged that the nature of the remarks was derogatory and had the potential to offend members of the Hindu community.
Second Person Named Over Comment
The matter reportedly escalated after another Facebook user, identified as Arun Pannalal, entered the discussion. Pannalal, who is described in the complaint as president of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum, allegedly posted a comment on the same thread that the complainants considered offensive to Hindu religious traditions.
Chimnani, in his written complaint, said the posts had caused considerable hurt among Hindu followers and people who identify with Sanatan traditions. He also alleged that the content could contribute to tensions between communities.
Police Invoke Provisions of BNS
Following the complaint, Sub-Inspector Chitrakha Sahu registered the FIR at Civil Lines Police Station. The case has been filed under Sections 196, 299 and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with applicable provisions of the Information Technology Act.
The provisions cited in the FIR relate, among other matters, to promoting enmity between groups, deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings, and statements considered capable of contributing to public disorder or hostility.
Investigation Underway in Raipur
Police have begun examining the social media posts and the circumstances in which they were published. Investigators are expected to verify the content cited in the complaint and determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged remarks.
The registration of an FIR marks the beginning of the police investigation and does not by itself establish the guilt of the accused. Further action will depend on the evidence collected during the inquiry and the findings of the investigating authorities.
The case comes amid continuing scrutiny of social media posts that authorities believe could affect communal harmony or lead to tensions between different groups. Police have not indicated any final findings in the matter so far.