Chhattisgarh Christian Forum Member Arrested Over Alleged Blasphemous Lord Shiva Post

An office-bearer of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum was arrested late Friday in Raipur for allegedly posting an objectionable comment about Lord Shiva on social media, police confirmed Saturday.

The accused, identified as Arun Pannalal, allegedly made the comment on a Facebook post by Hansraj Goyal. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Amit Chimnani lodged a complaint at the Civil Lines police station, submitting URLs and screenshots of the posts and comments. Chimnani alleged that the remarks hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus and followers of Sanatan Dharma, aiming to incite hatred and disturb public order.

Police have registered a case against Pannalal and Goyal under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those for promoting enmity between groups, deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings, and intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace. Efforts are underway to locate Goyal.

In response to the arrest, Bajrang Dal workers and leaders protested outside Pannalal’s residence in Raipur on Friday night. Authorities deployed heavy police presence to maintain law and order in the area. Further investigation into the matter is ongoing.