Twenty-one policemen were injured in Maharashtra’s Amravati city after a mob hurled stones at them on Friday night, demanding that a case be registered against Hindu seer Yati Narsinghanand Maharaj for making allegedly objectionable remarks about Prophet Mohammad.
The police confirmed the registration of an FIR against the controversial seer, who hails from Ghaziabad.
The violence erupted outside the Nagpuri Gate police station, where a large crowd had gathered to demand action against Narsinghanand Maharaj.
According to Amravati Police Commissioner Navin Chandra Reddy, the mob had initially gathered peacefully around 8:15 pm.
The police station in charge informed the group that an FIR had already been lodged, and an inquiry into the seer’s remarks was underway. Following this, the mob dispersed.
However, as a video of Narsinghanand’s comments began circulating widely on social media, a larger group returned to the police station later that night. As police officers attempted to pacify the crowd, the situation escalated quickly when some individuals within the mob began hurling stones at the officers.
Reddy said, "While trying to negotiate with the crowd, the mob suddenly began pelting stones at the police personnel. The situation was handled effectively by senior police officers, and the crowd was eventually dispersed with reinforcements sent to the scene."
The stone-pelting incident resulted in injuries to 21 police officers and substantial damage to at least 10 police vans. In response, authorities have registered a case against 1,200 individuals involved in the unrest, with 26 of them already identified.
"We have registered a case against 1,200 people, of which 26 have been identified so far. Those involved in the violence are being actively sought out," a senior police official said.
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were also issued in the Nagpuri Gate area, barring the assembly of five or more people to prevent further disturbances.
The mob's primary demand was to press charges against Yati Narsinghanand Maharaj, who had allegedly made derogatory remarks about Prophet Mohammad.
A case has been registered against him under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 299, which pertains to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, and Section 302, which covers intentionally wounding religious sentiments.
Narsinghanand has also been charged under Section 197, which addresses actions harmful to national integration.
Amravati police are continuing their efforts to identify and apprehend all those involved in the rioting and vandalism.
Police presence in the area remains heavy, with officials assuring the public that steps are being taken to maintain peace and order.
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