UP ‘mahant’ held days after hate speech, rape threat

He was arrested after police added several new charges against Bajrang, including promoting enmity between two groups, on the basis of evidence collected.

On April 8, Sitapur police had lodged a case against Bajrang, 38, on the basis of videos that had emerged on social media. Bajrang had issued an apology by evening.

Additional Director General, Law and Order, Prashant Kumar confirmed the arrest.

Bajrang was later produced in a local court, which sent him to judicial custody, an officer said. Following arrest, supporters protested outside the ashram. To take care of any tension, PAC and local police personnel have been deployed in and around the ashram.

Bajrang has been in news over land dispute since arriving in Sitapur two years ago. Most of these disputes involve land around the ashram, also known as Badi Sangat.

Last week, videos purportedly showing Bajrang Muni emerged on social media in which he is heard threatening to rape women of another community if a single Hindu woman is harassed.

Bajrang allegedly made the remark when a Kalash Yatra reached outside a mosque in Khairabad on April 2. He was purportedly seen in the video, allegedly making the statement sitting in a four-wheeler, surrounded by a crowd and police personnel.

After the video went viral, he released a message, stating that the video was distorted and out of context. Later on April 8, Muni issued an apology: “To all the mothers and sisters, I would like to apologise. If my video, which is viral, has hurt them, please forgive me… I respect all women.”

Taking cognizance of the speech, the National Commission for Women sought his arrest.

Police say Bajrang Muni faces one more case besides the hate speech — over a clash that had led to injuries to him. Circle Officer, City (Sitapur) Piyush Singh had earlier said that Bajrang, too, has filed three cases, against local residents, all related to land and to Badi Sangat. SDM Sadar, Anil Kumar Rastogi, had earlier denied any land dispute involving Badi Sangat.

Those close to Bajrang Muni in Khairabad and adjoining areas in Sitapur say he is originally a native of Raniganj area in Pratapgarh district and completed his early education from Indore district in Madhya Pradesh.