Junagadh Police File BNS Case Over Jain Flags on Sacred Girnar Peak
Police in Junagadh district have initiated a formal investigation and registered a case under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following a complaint that flags belonging to the Digambar Jain community were allegedly planted on the fourth peak of Mount Girnar. This specific peak is considered a profoundly sacred site by the Nath community, leading to serious allegations of an attempt to sow discord between religious groups.
Complaint Lodged by Temple Head Priest
The First Information Report (FIR) was filed at the Bhavnath police station by Mahant Pir Yogi Somnathji, who serves as the head priest of the Gangnath Mahadev Temple. According to the complaint, the incident was discovered on Thursday when the priest was present at his ashram. Around 5 PM, his servant, Kaushik Sonpal, informed him that flags of the Digambar Jain sect had been hoisted on the revered peak.
The complaint further alleges that painting was also conducted at the site, with the words "Jain – 4 Pradyumna Tok" inscribed there. In his official statement, Mahant Somnathji asserted that this act was deliberately carried out to create enmity and provoke communal tension between the Digambar Jain and Hindu communities.
Sacred Site and Legal Implications
The fourth peak of Mount Girnar holds immense religious significance. It is believed to bear the footprints of Oghadnathji and is a major pilgrimage site for the Nath community. Additionally, the location is officially classified as a state-protected monument under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Department of Gujarat and falls under the trust of Gorakhnathji's Dalicha.
Police have registered the case under specific sections of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita:
- Section 196(1)(A): Pertaining to promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.
- Section 61(2): Related to criminal conspiracy.
The FIR has been filed against unidentified persons described as being dressed in white, as well as any other individuals who may be identified during the course of the investigation. The complaint explicitly states that those involved premeditatedly brought the flag to the site and hoisted it with the intent to disturb communal harmony.
Police Investigation Underway
Local police officials have confirmed that a thorough investigation has been launched. The primary objectives are to identify the persons responsible for placing the flag and to verify the exact circumstances under which the act was committed. Authorities have stated that further legal action will be determined based on the findings of this ongoing probe.
This incident has brought attention to the sensitive nature of shared sacred spaces in the region and the legal mechanisms now available under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to address actions alleged to promote inter-community discord.
