Sedition case against Kalicharan over his controversial speech at Dharma Sansad in Raipur

Correspondent

NewsBits.in

RAIPUR: Days after he made a controversial speech at the Dharma Sansad, Abhijit Sarag alias Kalicharan, who had been on the run, has been arrested. 

The Chhattisgarh police arrested him from Khajuraho in the neighbouring Madhya Pradesh. 

A police team from Raipur, nabbed him and brought him to Chhattisgarh. He hails from Akola in Maharashtra.

Kalicharan had allegedly given a hate speech, making controversial comments against Muslims as well as using objectionable words for Mahatma Gandhi. After the divisive speech was known and the video went viral, he was booked under sections 294 and 505 (2) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

However, after examining the speech, it was found that the speech violated more laws. He has now been booked for sedition too, under section 124A of the IPC, apart from 153 (A)--Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, language etc. 

Besides, two more sections have been used. They include 505 (1)B--Cause fear or alarm to public where any person may be induced to commit offence against State or public tranquility and 295 (A)--malicious acts to outrage religious feelings. He would be presented in the court, now.

Kalicharan, a self-styled religious guru, had used abusive words to say that Gandhi was responsible for destroying the nation. He went on to praise Nathuram Godse for his act at the event. Kalicharan said the objective of Islam was to capture entire nations. After the case was initially registered, he had released a video and said that he didn't regret his speech.

Now, MP Home Minister Narottam Mishra has said that the Chhattisgarh police violated norms in the arrest. However, Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel said that the action was taken lawfully and there was no violation. Baghel said that Mishra should clarify if he is happy or unhappy with the arrest.

Who is Kalchicharan?

Abhijit Dhananjay Sarag alias Kalicharan hails from Akola in Maharashtra. He studied till VIIIth standard and then lost interest in studies. His father sent him to a relative's place. Later, he went to Indore and stayed in Bhayyu Maharaj's ashram. Then, he went to Omkareshwar and got interested in Kali Vidya.

In 2015, he appeared in Akola and was known as 'Kal Maharaj'. Later, he claimed that he was Kali and the Goddess was present in him. He also contested civic body polls but got lost and returned to Indore. His video once went viral and then he hit headlines again. In the last couple of years, he has become more visible. Has complaints against him in many other cities in Maharashtra too.