MEERUT: Police in Meerut are probing an alleged instance of hate speech during a ‘Hindu panchayat’ organised at a college after one of the speakers called for “economic boycott” of Muslims.
The cyber cell of the UP police was also roped in as the video of the speech was shared on social media, drawing widespread condemnation from several quarters. The panchayat was organised four days ago at Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU).
“We have not received any information from the college staff so far. But a probe is being conducted by the cyber cell,” said city SP Akhilesh Narayan Singh.
In the video shot during the event, Swami Anand Swaroop, head of Shankaracharya Parishad, is purportedly heard saying: “My argument is that if you (Muslims) want to remain associated with us, you should first stop reading the Quran and stop offering namaz.” In the same breath, he tells the listeners: “You decide that you will not buy anything from a Muslim. If you destroy them socially, politically and economically, they will begin converting to Hinduism from Islam.” Swami Swaroop is not new to controversy. On January 6, in Kolkata, he gave a call to declare India a Hindu nation.
Meanwhile, the college administration has distanced itself from the event. Vice-chancellor N K Taneja claimed the university only provided space for the event. “It was not a university function. Therefore I will not be able to comment on it. We just facilitated space (for them),” he said.
Bhagyodya Foundation, one of the organisers of the event, said such panchayats are being organised across the country. The next one will be held in Haridwar.