FIR against seer for 'hate speech' at Almora

Bageshwar: An FIR has been registered against Mahamandaleshwar Lal Baba alias Mohan Bhatt of Chitragupt Peeth in Jageshwar for allegedly delivering inflammatory speech during the Virat Hindu Sammelan organised at the Simkani Ground in Almora on Sunday to mark the centenary year of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).A video of his speech, circulated widely on social media, purportedly showed Lal Baba warning a particular community to leave Uttarakhand. He was also heard saying that if he were compelled to take out a rally, action would be taken wherever members of the said community were found.Challenging the police and the administration, Lal Baba said he was not concerned about how many legal sections were invoked against him.Police said an FIR under BNS Section 196(1) and other relevant provisions was lodged following a written complaint by event convenor Manoj Sanwal, alleging that certain remarks made by Lal Baba were objectionable.Almora SSP Chandrashekhar Ghodke said legal action would follow based on the findings of the probe.Several speakers from different fields were invited to address the gathering. MP and Union minister of state Ajay Tamta, along with leaders and workers associated with BJP and RSS, were also in attendance. Tamta said such statements could not be justified.The issue triggered political reactions, with senior Congress leader Harish Aithani stating that such remarks spread hatred and disturb communal harmony. P C Tiwari, central president of Uttarakhand Parivartan Party, termed the statements "indecorous" and demanded immediate arrest and strict action against Lal Baba.