Ilayaraaja’s comment sparks ire

HYDERABAD, TELANGANA, 06/09/2017: Maestro Ilayaraaja announcing that his first life concert in Hyderabad on November 05, 2017 would be a selection of his Telugu songs. Photo: K.V.S. Giri   | Photo Credit: K.V.S. GIRI

Maestro reportedly quoted a documentary that disputed Christ’s resurrection

The Pondy Bazaar police detained 35 members of Sirupanmai Makkal Nala Katchi who attempted to stage a protest outside the house of musician Ilayaraaja in T. Nagar on Sunday for his comments on Jesus Christ.

According to the police, Ilayaraaja reportedly quoted a documentary on YouTube as saying that Christ’s resurrection did not take place. “Then he went on to claim that true resurrection took place for Ramana Maharshi at the age of 16 and also explained how it happened,” said a police officer.

Twenty six men and nine women from the Sirupanmai Makkal Nala Katchi attempted to stage a protest in front of his house on Murugesan Street in T. Nagar around 3.30 p.m.

However, the protesters were stopped on North Usman Road and arrested.

“They did not take permission for the protests. Besides, they did not organise the demonstration in places that have been allotted. Instead, they chose a commercial location,” said a police officer.

The protesters were taken to in a marriage hall and lodged there till the evening before they were released.