Congress Files FIR Over Allegedly Derogatory Hoardings in Rae Bareli, Escalating Political-Religious Tensions
A significant political and religious controversy has intensified in Rae Bareli district after the Congress party filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Rahul Singh, the national general secretary of the Vishva Hindu Raksha Parishad (VHRP). The FIR alleges that Singh installed provocative and objectionable hoardings along a highway near the Churuwa toll plaza in Bachhrawan, sparking widespread debate and legal action.
Details of the Complaint and FIR Registration
The FIR was registered at the Bachhrawan police station based on a formal complaint by Pankaj Tiwari, the president of the Rae Bareli district Congress committee. According to official sources, the FIR was filed late on January 29, but it came to public attention only on Friday, highlighting the delayed disclosure of the incident. Tiwari's complaint detailed that four hoardings were installed, which allegedly portrayed Swami Avimukteshwaranand in derogatory terms, including labels such as "Ravan" and "Congressacharya". The hoardings further insinuated that political activities were being orchestrated from religious platforms, a claim that has added fuel to the ongoing tensions between political and religious groups in the region.
Legal Actions and Police Response
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) for Rae Bareli, Sanjeev Sinha, confirmed that the FIR has been registered under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to acts intended to outrage religious feelings or beliefs. In response to the complaint, the controversial hoardings have since been removed from the site, and authorities have initiated further legal proceedings. Sinha emphasized that the police are actively investigating the matter to determine the full extent of the allegations and ensure appropriate action is taken against those responsible.
Broader Implications and Reactions
This incident has reignited discussions about the intersection of politics and religion in India, particularly in sensitive regions like Rae Bareli. The Congress party's move to file an FIR underscores its stance against what it perceives as inflammatory propaganda aimed at tarnishing religious figures and politicizing faith. Meanwhile, the Vishva Hindu Raksha Parishad has yet to issue an official statement, but the case is expected to draw attention from various political and social groups across the country. As the legal process unfolds, this controversy is likely to influence local political dynamics and public discourse in Uttar Pradesh.
