Police said, the accused, while talking to media, stated that it is not Mahatma Gandhi, but Godse who is the main hero of the nation. (Image used for representational purpose) Police said, the accused, while talking to media, stated that it is not Mahatma Gandhi, but Godse who is the main hero of the nation. (Image used for representational purpose)

BAREILLY police Saturday arrested a self-proclaimed Hindu preacher, who is also a member of Kamlesh Tiwari’s Hindu Samaj Party, for allegedly making objectionable comments against Mahatma Gandhi during an event to observe the death anniversary of Nathuram Godse in Kotwali area of the city on Friday.

Police said that the programme, ‘Nathuram Balidan Diwas’, in which over a dozen people were present, was organised without obtaining permission from the district administration, while Section 144 of CrPC was invoked in the city.

Following this, an FIR was lodged against Acharya Krishna Kumar Shankdhar (50) and eight of his unidentified associates under Indian Penal Code sections 295-A (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), 505 (Statements conducing to public mischief) and 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) at City Kotwali police station on a complaint of sub-inspector Siddhant Sharma.

Police said, the accused, while talking to media, stated that it is not Mahatma Gandhi, but Godse who is the main hero of the nation.

Shankdhar was produced before a local court of Bareilly, which sent him to jail, said Circle Officer, City, Ashok Kumar Singh.

He added raids are being conducted to trace the other accused in the case.

According to police, Shankdhar and his supporters observed the death anniversary of Gandhiji’s assassin Godse at Seth Damodar Swaroop Park of the city. “We were informed that while talking to media, Krishna Kumar made objectionable comments against Mahatma Gandhi. We collected information about the matter and also verified the speech, “ said SHO of City Kotwali police station, Gitesh Kapil, adding that Shankdhar also runs Agastya Muni Ashram located in Quila area of Bareilly city.

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