Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj Faces Multiple FIRs for Alleged Remarks Against Prophet Mohammad; Tensions Rise as Protests and Clashes Erupt

Multiple cases have been filed against Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj in three different police stations in Mumbai for allegedly making objectionable remarks about Prophet Mohammad and his wife. FIRs were lodged at Nirmal Nagar, Mahim, and Pydhonie Police Stations on charges of hurting religious sentiments.

Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj allegedly made derogatory comments about Islam and Prophet Mohammad during a recent religious event, leading to tensions between communities. In response, police registered an FIR under sections 196(1)(A), 197(1)(D), 299, 302, 352, 353(1)(b), 353(1)(C), and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and have initiated an investigation.

Earlier on Saturday, another case was registered against Ramgiri Maharaj by the Wagle Police Station in Thane for making controversial statements against Prophet Mohammad and Islam. Hundreds of members of the Muslim community, along with religious leaders, gathered at the Wagle Police Station in Thane, demanding action against Ramgiri Maharaj.

The FIRs were filed under multiple sections of the BNS, including 353(1)(b) for inciting communal tensions, 353(1)(C) and 353(2) for spreading rumors or false accusations based on religion, 299 for deliberately inciting religious sentiments, 302 for inciting violence, and others related to making false statements and disturbing public peace.

In a related incident, violence erupted in Nashik on Friday, August 16, during a protest march against anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh. Several Hindu organizations had called for a “bandh” in Nashik to condemn the atrocities. Clashes broke out when protestors pelted stones, injuring ten people and damaging vehicles after some shops remained open in the Bhadrakali area during the bandh.

Police intervened with a mild lathi charge to restore order. Ravindra Kumar Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 1, Nashik, confirmed that FIRs were registered following the incident, with 15 accused taken into custody. Additional arrests are being made based on photographic and video evidence, and the situation is now under control.