Christian Forum's Arun Pannalal arrested in Raipur over Shiva remark, Bajrang Dal protests

An office-bearer of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum was arrested in Raipur for allegedly posting an objectionable comment on Lord Shiva on social media, following a complaint by a BJP spokesperson, police said on Saturday, Aug 8.

The accused, identified as Arun Pannalal, allegedly posted the "highly objectionable" comment on a Facebook post by one Hansraj Goyal. He was arrested late Friday night following a complaint lodged by BJP spokesperson Amit Chimnani at Civil Lines police station.

The complainant submitted URLs and screenshots of the posts and comments to police, PTI reported.

The complainant alleged that the comments hurt the sentiments of followers of Hinduism and Sanatan Dharma, and were made with intent to promote 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 breach of peace) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the official said.

Efforts are under way to trace Goyal, he added.

Meanwhile, Bajrang Dal workers and leaders staged a protest at Pannalal's house in Raipur on Friday night, with heavy police deployment in the area during the protest. Further investigation is under way.