Three FIRs have been registered against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Chhattisgarh for allegedly making remarks that hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community during his recent visit to the US, police said on Friday. The complaints were lodged by BJP leaders, accusing Gandhi of disrespecting Sikh traditions.
The first two cases were filed on Thursday at Civil Lines police stations in Raipur and Bilaspur districts, while a third FIR was registered on Friday at Kotwali police station in Durg.Gandhi has been booked under sections 299 (intentional insult to religious beliefs) and 302 (hurting religious feelings) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The complaints stem from Gandhi’s remarks during an address in Herndon, Virginia, on September 9, where he questioned whether Sikhs would be allowed to wear a turban or a ‘kada’ and visit Gurdwaras in India. BJP spokesperson Amarjeet Singh Chhabra, who filed a complaint in Raipur, claimed that Gandhi’s comments hurt the Sikh community and could incite tension between religious groups.
“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,” Chhabra said.
BJP leaders in other districts, including Durg and Surguja, have lodged similar complaints, and more cases may follow as the controversy escalates.