A major controversy has erupted over alleged inflammatory remarks made by Hindu religious leader Ramgiri Maharaj against Prophet Mohammad and Islam, Press Trust of India reported.
Following complaints from the Muslim community, police filed cases against him in two districts of Maharashtra.
The controversial remarks were made by Ramgiri Maharaj during a religious event at Shah Panchale village in Nashik district’s Sinnar taluka. A video of his comments went viral on social media, leading to widespread outrage.
Despite the uproar, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde shared a stage with Ramgiri Maharaj during an event in Nashik on Friday, referring to him as a “saint.”
Additionally, minister Girish Mahajan and former Ahmednagar MP Sujay Vikhe Patil were seen touching his feet on stage.
Ramgiri Maharaj, who is the mahant of Sarla Bet Dham in Shrirampur taluka of Ahmednagar district, defended his remarks, stating that they were a response to the alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.
He asserted that his intention was to unite the Hindu community. Speaking to Marathi news channel ABP Majha, he remained unapologetic, saying, “Hindus should remain alert. I have spoken what I wanted to. I am firm on it and I am ready to face its consequences.”
Police registered cases against Ramgiri Maharaj in Yeola, Nashik district, and Vaijapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. In Vaijapur, an FIR was filed under section 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following a complaint by a local resident, Rafehasan Ali Khan.
Khan claimed that Ramgiri Maharaj’s remarks, including a statement that “one crore Muslims have abandoned Islam” and derogatory comments about Prophet Mohammad, have deeply hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims and created communal tension.
On Friday afternoon, tension escalated in parts of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city as a group of Muslims gathered outside the City Chowk police station, demanding action against Ramgiri Maharaj. Jaleel also sent a letter to the city police commissioner, urging them to take action, claiming that the remarks were made deliberately to incite communal unrest.
Meanwhile, at the event in Nashik, Shinde praised the work of saints like Ramgiri Maharaj, saying, “As many as 25 lakh people visited Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi this year. The ‘warkari’ community creates public awareness through sermons. As a result, many people have overcome their grief. Saints like Ramgiri Maharaj carry out the work of giving direction to people.”
Ramgiri Maharaj reiterated his stance, stating, “Though the Hindu community is tolerant, the community should remain alert. Therefore, I made the statement in reaction to the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. The only motive was that Hindus should unite. Now, I will face whatever may come. If a case has been filed, I will see whenever I get a notice.”