Chhattisgarh: 3 FIRs against Rahul Gandhi for 'hurting' Sikh sentiments
Three First Information Reports (FIRs) have been lodged against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Chhattisgarh over alleged remarks that offended the Sikh community during his recent visit to the United States. The complaints were filed by Bharatiya Janata Party leaders who accused Gandhi of disrespecting Sikh traditions. The first two cases were registered on Thursday at Civil Lines police stations in Raipur and Bilaspur districts, while a third FIR was filed on Friday at Kotwali police station in Durg.
Gandhi booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Gandhi has been charged under sections 299 (intentional insult to religious beliefs) and 302 (hurting religious feelings) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The controversy stems from his speech in Herndon, Virginia, on September 9. During the address, he questioned whether Sikhs would be permitted to wear a turban or a 'kada' and visit Gurdwaras in India. BJP spokesperson Amarjeet Singh Chhabra, who filed one of the complaints in Raipur, claimed that these comments could incite tension between religious groups.
BJP leaders' reaction to Gandhi's remarks
Chhabra stated, "In India and globally, Sikhs are not prohibited from practicing their traditions. Even the Prime Minister wears a turban when visiting Gurdwaras. Gandhi's statements are offensive and could lead to animosity." Similar complaints have been lodged by BJP leaders in other districts, including Durg and Surguja, reports said.
Gandhi's remarks on Sikhism
During his address in Virginia, Gandhi had said, "I am not sure if a Sikh would be allowed to wear a turban or kada and visit Gurdwaras in India. I am not sure if a Muslim would be allowed to wear a burqa or hijab and visit mosques." He also claimed that the BJP is trying to divide people by imposing its ideology on them, adding that it is "destroying" India's social fabric.
