A case has been registered against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader’s Annamalai, the state president of Hindu Munnani, Kadeshwar Subramaniam and many others for allegedly making political and communal remarks during the Murugan Bhakta Sammelan held in Madurai on 22 June.
The event organized by Hindu Munnani was organized under strict conditions imposed by the city police and Madurai Peeth of Madras High Court. The authorities had issued 52 guidelines, including clear instructions to avoid political or religious speeches that dissolved public peace.
The court had also directed that political rhetoric should be strictly avoided during the conference.
Despite the orders, political statements were reportedly made during the program, which led to the dispute and public outrage. After this, a lawyer and executive Vanchanhan, a lawyer and executive of the Madurai Interfaith People’s Federation, submitted a formal complaint to Police Commissioner Loknathan, seeking legal action against those who violated court orders.
An investigation was conducted at Anna Nagar Police Station, after which the first Information Report (FIR) was filed. In the case, Annamalai, Kadeshwar Subramaniam, Hindu Munnani officer Selvakumar and others were accused.
According to the police, an FIR was lodged under four sections of the Indian Penal Code, including promoting enmity among various religious groups, making statements with the intention of hurting religious sentiments, provoking communal hatred and disturbing public peace.
The complaint alleged that the speeches given during the conference violated the law and disrespect the court’s directions, which feared communal harmony in the area. The officials said that the matter is being investigated and further action will be taken.
Officials said that the matter is being investigated and further action will be taken.
Meanwhile, on 14 June, Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state media spokesperson ANS Prasad issued a sharp statement accused Chief Minister MK Stalin and the ruling DMK government of politicizing religion and putting secret obstacles in the way of the upcoming World Murugan Bhakta Sammelan to be held on 22 June.
While attacking the state government, Prasad said, “Chief Minister Stalin can be proud to declare himself a non-devotee of Murugan to please the followers of EV Ramasamy (Periyar). But at the same time, the DMK government should stop interrupting the upcoming Murugan Bhakta conference in Madurai in Madurai, which can create a ‘enemy Murugan’.
