Chhattisgarh Christian Forum Office Bearer Arrested Over Alleged Social Media Remarks

Raipur, August 9, 2026: Police in Raipur have arrested an office bearer of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum following a complaint alleging that objectionable remarks concerning Hindu deities were posted on social media.

The accused, identified as Arun Pannalal, was arrested late Friday after a complaint was lodged at the Civil Lines police station. Police said the complaint was filed by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member, who submitted screenshots and URLs of the allegedly objectionable Facebook posts and comments.

According to police spokesperson Amit Chimnani, a case has been registered under Sections 196, 299 and 352(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The provisions cited in the case relate to promoting enmity between groups, deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings and intentional insult with the alleged intent of provoking a breach of peace.

The complaint alleges that the social media comments hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus and followers of Sanatana Dharma and were intended to promote hatred between communities and disturb public order.

According to the First Information Report, a Facebook post by another user allegedly questioned aspects of Hindu beliefs and contained remarks concerning several Hindu deities, including Shiva, Ram, Krishna, Vishnu, Hanuman, Indra, Brahma and Ganesh.

The FIR alleges that Pannalal subsequently posted a comment on the discussion thread that was considered objectionable by the complainant.

The arrest followed protests by Bajrang Dal workers and leaders outside Pannalal’s residence in Raipur on Friday night. Police deployed additional personnel in the area amid concerns over possible tension and to maintain public order.

The allegations contained in the complaint and FIR are yet to be established in court. Police said the investigation into the social media posts and the circumstances surrounding them is continuing.

Source: Lalluram News