The chairman of a private school in Jabalpur was arrested in Kochi on Saturday for allegedly uploading an objectionable video as his WhatsApp status following a recent incident involving an attack on Christian priests in Madhya Pradesh.

Akhilesh Maben, the chairman of Joy Senior Secondary School, was taken into custody with the assistance of the Airport Authority of India, confirmed Vijay Nagar Police Station in-charge Virendra Singh Pawar. Maben, reportedly in his 50s, was booked earlier this week under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for allegedly hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity between communities.

According to Additional Superintendent of Police Samar Verma, the controversial video status contained inflammatory text and was uploaded shortly after two senior members of the local Christian clergy were attacked by a group of right-wing activists in Jabalpur.

The incident that triggered the controversy occurred on March 31, when Vicar General of the Jabalpur Catholic Diocese Father Davis George and diocesan corporation secretary Father George Thomas were allegedly assaulted at the Ranjhi Police Station premises. The priests had gone there to support individuals detained on allegations of religious conversion. Following public outrage, a case was registered regarding the assault, though no arrests have been made in that case so far.

Maben's video post sparked protests from several right-wing groups demanding immediate action. Authorities confirmed he will be brought back to Jabalpur by Sunday evening for further legal proceedings, said City Superintendent of Police Bhagat Singh Gothariya.

The incident has stirred fresh debate over religious tensions and the role of digital platforms in spreading provocative content.