Kerala Restaurant Owner Arrested Over Lord Krishna Manthi Ad on Vishu
In a significant incident that has stirred religious sentiments, the owner of a restaurant in Kerala was taken into custody for featuring Hindu deity Lord Krishna alongside a meat-based dish in an advertisement released on Vishu day. The Cherthala police acted swiftly, registering a case and arresting the accused under stringent legal provisions.
Details of the Arrest and Legal Action
Cherthala police booked Alappuzha native Shamnas, aged 30, under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This section pertains to wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause a riot, whether rioting is committed or not. Following the registration of an FIR, Shamnas was taken into custody on Friday. The FIR also names another partner, Arshad, aged 36, as an accused in the case.
Shamnas is one of the partners of the 'Meher Mandi and Grills' restaurant located in Cherthala. The police initiated a suo motu case after noticing the controversial advertisement being circulated as the WhatsApp status of the accused. According to authorities, the Vishu greetings from the restaurant were circulated starting from 1 am on April 15, featuring Lord Krishna with 'kuzhimanthi,' a variation of the traditional manthi dish that includes rice.
Police Investigation and Allegations
The FIR explicitly states that the advertisement was created with the intention of disturbing followers of the Hindu religion and aimed at affecting public peace. Police conducted a thorough probe after sections of the media reported that the post had generated religious hatred and communal tension. The investigation revealed that the content was provocative and could incite violence, leading to the swift legal action.
Restaurant's Response and Apology
In response to the controversy, the restaurant claimed that the poster was not widely circulated. It was only posted as a WhatsApp status once and was not shared on any other platforms. Upon realizing that the content was inappropriate for public dissemination, the restaurant promptly removed it and issued a public apology on social media. The management expressed regret over the unintended offense caused to religious sentiments.
Public Reaction and Protests
The incident did not go unnoticed by the public and religious organizations. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a protest march to the restaurant, demanding strict action against those responsible for the advertisement. The protest highlighted the deep-seated emotions and the sensitivity surrounding religious depictions in commercial promotions.
This case underscores the importance of cultural and religious sensitivity in advertising, especially during significant festivals like Vishu. It also reflects the legal ramifications of actions that are perceived as provocative or intended to disturb communal harmony.
