Maharashtra Erupts in Protest Over Hindu Seer’s Remarks

Mumbai: A controversial statement made by a Hindu seer about Prophet Muhammad and Muslim community led to tension in several parts of Maharashtra on Friday. Police have registered cases against the seer at two places in the state.

A video of Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj making an offensive statement about Prophet Muhammad during a sermon in Nashik went viral, which infuriated the Muslim community in Maharashtra. In districts like Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Nashik and Nagar, hundreds of Muslims came to the streets and protested. The protests caused a lot of tensions in these districts, which kept police on toes throughout the day. The protesters demanded that Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj should be arrested.

The police registered cases against the seer at Yeola in Nashik as well as Rahata in Nagar district. “A case has been registered for hurting religious sentiments. Citizens should maintain peace and not forward inflammatory messages spreading rumours,” said police officials.

However, Ramgiri Maharaj stuck to his guns saying he had already spoken about what he wanted to say. “Our religion and culture follow the path of peace. But if someone tries to disturb the peace, then we have to be prepared to respond. It is our aim that Hindus should remain strong and united. Hindu society is suffering due to disorganization,” he said.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde shared the state with Ramgiri Maharaj in the religious event at Nashik and also lauded the seer’s work.

“The Varkari sect works for social awakening in the society and Ramgiri Maharaj is carrying their work forward,” he said.

The CM assured that the saints in the state will be protected. “Maharashtra has got a great tradition of saints. The state government is being run due to the blessings of the saints. Therefore, no one will dare to touch even the hair of the saints in this Maharashtra,” he said.