FB post against Goddess Durga: Tension in Chhattisgarh's Mungeli, Sec 144 imposed

RAIPUR: Tension prevailed in Mungeli region of Bilaspur division on Wednesday after a Facebook post insulting Goddess Durga, posted by a youth went viral. Demanding action and arrest of the person, riot-like situation occurred when roads were blocked, tyres burnt, slogans raised and thousands of people came out on streets pelting stones in the main market and the shops were shut down. Police had to impose Section 144 of CrPC till late night on Wednesday.
Although police said that the man who posted objectionable comments against Goddess Durga was detained on Tuesday night, the locals staged massive protest in front of police station as well to hand over the accused to them and take stern action against him.
Talking to TOI, Mungeli SP Nitu Kamal said, "The FB post against Goddess Durga comes during Navratra which triggered an emotional outburst among people of different communities. The man Vikas Khandekar was arrested on Tuesday itself. But the people on protest wanted police to hand him over to them creating ruckus in the region. But the situation is absolutely under control and Section 144 will be withdrawn only later in the night."
She added that nearly 250 police personnel were on the spot to control the situation which includes extra force called from Bilaspur. Meanwhile, SP and Bilaspur range IG Vivekananda called for a 'shanti samiti' meeting with the representatives of the communities requesting them to maintain peace and harmony in the region.
However, no property damage or injuries were reported although in the morning the tyres were burnt and situation looked tensed.
The man Vikas Khandekar was arrested under Section 295 of IPC and IT Act.
Members of Sarvdaliya Manch and other communities came together against Kahndekar who's president of Satnami samaj.
Similar incident took place in Bastar also when Manish Kunjam, former MLA and tribal leader posted objectionable remarks against Goddess Durga calling for heavy protest in Sukma. The district witnessed bandh for a day followed by an FIR lodged against Kunjam.