Chhattisgarh: Objectionable post against Hindu deities creates tension in Mungeli district, Section 144 imposed

Tension flared up in Mungeli district in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday following protests triggered by an ‘objectionable’ comment on social media against a Hindu god and goddess, police said.

To maintain peace, police invoked Section 144 of CrPC in Mungeli town (district headquarters) and the youth Vikas Khandekar, who allegedly put up the objectionable comments on social media, has been arrested.

“Tension gripped Mungeli last evening after some objectionable comment was posted about Hindu god and goddess on Facebook and then WhatsApp, which apparently hurt religious sentiments of the people,” a police officer said on the condition of anonymity.

An irate mob hit the streets and approached Mungeli Kotwali police station this morning seeking action against the youth who allegedly posted the comment.

“The mob also torched tyres on the roads, while the markets were forced to be kept shut,” the officer added.

Inspector General of Police (Bilaspur Range), Vivekanand Sinha said, additional security was deployed and prohibitory orders under Section 144 were clamped at Mungeli district headquarters following a massive protest over the “objectionable” post on social media.

“The situation is under control now,” he added.

According to another police officer, Khandekar has been arrested under section 295 (injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class) of IPC and sections of IT Act in this connection. Further investigation into the case is on.