Kalicharan Maharaj booked over speech made at Baramati rally in February

Police booked Maharaj and the rally’s organiser, Vikas Mahadev Devkate, in the case registered on Tuesday on the complaint of a constable of the Baramati City police station. They were booked under Indian Penal Code sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.) and 505 (2) (statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes).

“Prior to the rally, a notice was issued to the organisers asking them to refrain from making any inflammatory speeches during the rally. On the afternoon of February 9, during the rally, Kalicharan Maharaj delivered a speech that included misinformation about Muslims, potentially promoting enmity between religious communities,” an officer from the Pune Rural police said.

Born as Abhijit Dhananjay Sarag, Kalicharan Maharaj gained popularity through videos of his delivering speeches and chanting mantras. Multiple cases were registered against him in the past in Maharashtra and neighbouring states in connection with inflammatory statements directed at the Muslim community.

When contacted, inspector Sunil Mahadik, in charge of the station, said the police had issued a notice to the accused and that the investigation was underway.

Also Read

After NCP doubts, Congress says has a plan ready, Uddhav Sena firm on MVA...

Pune accident: Holiday gone wrong for family; mother dies, young daughter...

Fight over gulab jamuns at wedding ends in blows; caterer calls police

As Ajit Pawar eyes CM post, Sanjay Raut says message is clear: ‘Eknath Sh...

Asked why the case was registered in April for the speech delivered in February, officials said the FIR was registered after receiving information about the incident.