Pune City Police have filed a case against more than 300 individuals for allegedly assembling illegally, conducting a protest march without permission, and raising objectionable slogans near the Pune Collector’s office. The protest, held on Friday, was organized in response to controversial remarks made by Ramgiri Maharaj against Islam, according to police officials.
The protesters, under the banner of ‘Sarvdharm Sambhav Mahamorcha,’ gathered to condemn Ramgiri Maharaj’s alleged derogatory statements regarding Islam and Prophet Mohammed. The protest, which lacked official permission, led police to register cases under sections 189(2), 190, 196, and 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as well as sections 135 and 37(1) of the Maharashtra Police Act, at the Bund Garden Police Station on Saturday.
The controversy surrounding Ramgiri Maharaj began after he allegedly made offensive remarks during a religious event in Nashik, Maharashtra. These comments have sparked unrest, leading to protests and legal actions across various cities.
Earlier in the week, protests erupted in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and at police stations in Thane, where members of the Muslim community demanded legal action against the religious leader. Multiple cases have since been registered against Ramgiri Maharaj in Mumbai for his alleged statements.
In Thane, hundreds of people gathered at Wagle Police Station, accompanied by community leaders, to press for action against Maharaj. The police have filed 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 an investigation is currently underway.
