Religious Posts – Raipur Police File FIR Over Alleged Social Media Remarks

Religious Posts – The Civil Lines Police Station in Raipur has registered a case against two people over social media posts that were allegedly objectionable and offensive towards Hindu religious beliefs and traditions. The complaint was submitted by BJP Chhattisgarh spokesperson Amit Chimnani, accompanied by other party members and local residents.

Complaint Leads to Police Action

According to the complaint and FIR, the matter began with a Facebook post allegedly published by Hansraj Goyal. Police said the post contained remarks questioning Hindu religious beliefs and referred to several Hindu deities, including Lord Shiva, Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu, Lord Hanuman, Indra, Brahma and Lord Ganesh.

The complainant alleged that the content was objectionable and had the potential to offend the religious sentiments of members of the Hindu community. The complaint sought legal action over the nature of the material shared online.

Second Person Named Over Alleged Comment

The issue reportedly escalated after another person, Arun Pannalal, identified as the president of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum, allegedly posted a comment on the same social media discussion. The comment was also described in the complaint as offensive towards Hindu religious traditions.

Chimnani and those accompanying him alleged that the remarks had caused distress among Hindu followers and people who identify with Sanatan religious traditions. They further claimed that the social media activity could contribute to tension between communities.

Police Invoke Multiple BNS Sections

Following the written complaint, Sub-Inspector Chitrakha Sahu registered the FIR at Civil Lines police station. The two accused have been booked under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The sections mentioned in the case include Section 196, which relates to promoting enmity between different groups, Section 299 concerning deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, and Section 353(2), relating to statements or material considered conducive to public mischief and hatred. Relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act have also been included in the case.

Investigation Now Underway

Police have begun investigating the allegations and the social media material cited in the complaint. The investigation is expected to examine the posts and comments, their context and the circumstances in which they were published.

The registration of an FIR marks the beginning of the criminal investigation and does not by itself establish guilt. Police will gather evidence and determine the facts of the case in accordance with the law.

The incident has also brought renewed attention to the responsibility of social media users when discussing religious beliefs and practices. Content shared online can attract legal scrutiny when authorities receive complaints alleging that it promotes hostility, causes public disorder or deliberately insults religious sentiments.

The case remains under investigation, and further action will depend on the evidence collected by the police and the findings reached during the legal process.