National

Viral ‘hate speech’ video from ‘Dharma Sansad in Haridwar’ sparked outrage, no police case yet

December 23, 2021
Bharat Times English News

New Delhi: A series of videos from an alleged ‘Dharma Sansad’ event in Haridwar, in which speakers can be seen giving provocative speeches, are being shared widely on social media and have resulted in outrage and condemnation.

All India Trinamool Congress national spokesperson Saket Gokhale has lodged a complaint with the SHO at Jwalapur police station in Haridwar. According to the complaint, a three-day program was organized from 17 to 20 December 2021 by Yeti Narasimhanand of Juna Akhara.

“The said event was organized by Yeti Narasimhanand Giri of Juna Akhara, which is already under police scrutiny for giving hate speeches and inciting violence. Hindu Raksha Sena president Prabodhanand Giri, BJP Mahila Morcha leader Udita Tyagi, BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay (who is currently out on bail in a similar hate speech case), Sadhvi Annapurna alias Pooja Shakun Pandey also attended the conference. She was ‘Mahamandaleshwar’ of Niranjani Akhara’, Swami Anandaswaroop, and others,” said the complaint filed by Gokhale.

In the complaint, Gokhale also included parts of the hate speech from the incident and included links to the videos. In a video, Yeti Narasimhanad purportedly said: “…swords will not be enough…we need better weapons”.

According to the complaint, one of the speakers, Dharam Das Maharaj, reportedly said that he “would have become Nathuram Godse” and “shot Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inside Parliament”.

The complaint also included statements from Sagar Sindhu Maharaj who appealed to Hindus to “keep swords at least”.

Prabodhanand Giri, who is named in the complaint, can be heard saying in a video: “Hindus should take up arms.”

An NDTV report said that he has no regrets on his point. “I am not ashamed of what I have said. I am not afraid of the police,” Giri was quoted as saying.

Another speaker at the event can be heard warning the Haridwar administration that they will vandalize hotels and commercial establishments if they celebrate Christmas. Yet another speaker spoke words targeting religious minorities.

The authenticity of the video could not be independently verified by ABP Live.

Though no police case has been registered so far, Uttarakhand Police on Wednesday said it would investigate the speeches made in Haridwar, Hindustan Times reported.

Quoting Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Kumar, the HT report said on Wednesday: “As of now, the police have not received any complaint against the speeches made by the participants in the event. However, the police will look into them and take action as per law.

According to the copy shared by him on Twitter, Gokhale filed his complaint on Thursday.

‘Action needed’

After the video was shared online, many took to social media to condemn the speakers and demand action against them.

Former Navy Chief Arun Prakash shared the video and tweeted,Why is it not being stopped? Our jawans are facing enemies on two fronts, do we want communal bloodshed, domestic turmoil and international stigma? Is it difficult to understand that anything that harms national unity and unity puts India’s national security at risk?

Replying to the post Former Army Chief VP Malik Posted: “Supposed. Such speech disturbs public harmony and affects national security. Action required by civil administration.

Former tennis player Martina Navratilova also shared the video, saying: “What’s up?!?”

Actress Swara Bhaskar tagged Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar requesting him to focus his attention towards the incident.

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