Indore, India (August 28, 2013): It is learnt that on August 28, 2013 a petition was filed against self-styled godman AsaRam for making objectionable statements against Guru Nanak Sahib, founder of the Sikh religion. As per information Advocate Indrajeet Singh Bhatia filed a petition on behalf of the Sikhs in local court at Indore against Asaram and his spokesperson Nilam Dubey for making objectionable statements against Guru Nanak Saheb, Sai Baba, Bhagat Kabir and Gautam Buddh on a Hindi news channel few days back.
According to information the court has scheduled September 28, 2013 for hearing.
A view of protest in Jammu [August 27, 2013]
In his complaint Advocate Indrajeet Singh Bhatia has demanded to register a criminal case against Asaram, seal all his ashrams and school and be present in person during the next hearing.
The complainant has alleged that Asaram has hurt the religious sentiments of people. He alleged that Asaram is not a saint but a self claimed godman and an individual who has fooled people and played with their sentiments. He added that several cases of land grabbing, sexual exploitation and witch craft practice have been linked to him. He alleged that Asaram has illegally occupied land for his Indore and Ratlam ashram.
According to certain media reports a few days back, Buddhist community had also filed a petition against Asaram in a local court of Bhopal for making objectionable statement against Gautam Buddha.
According to Times of India (TOI): [o]n Sunday, [August 26, 2013], the Sikh Community had burnt effigy of Asaram and blackened his poster in Indore and on Monday, Sikh Community had demanded to change the name of Asaram Bapu Crossing. They demanded that name of the crossing should be changed as it is an insult to the people of the city.
As per media reports Neelam Dube, a disciple of controversial preacher Asa Ram, compared him with Guru Nanak Dev Ji in her attempt to defend Asa Ram during a prime time debate at “India News” Tv channel.
While answering a state-forward question by TV anchor that why the allegations of rape are being repeatedly leveled against Asa Ram, Neelam dube said that “against whom the allegations were not leveled?”. “Allegations were levelled against Sant Kabir, Guru Nanak Dev, … against whom the allegations were not leveled?” she added.
In a video recording that is available on YouTube and other social networking sites, the anchor of TV channel could be seen as forbidding Neelam Dube from comparing Asa Ram with Sant Kabir or Guru Nanak Ji, but she continued with her comparison and arguments.
It is notable that the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) and some other Sikh organizations/groups have taken serious notice of the issue. As per information S. Ajmer Singh of DSGMC has lodged a criminal complaint against Neelam Dube at Sansad Marg police station under sections 153A & 153B (Offences against Public Tranquillity), 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), 298 (uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings), and section 505 (Statements conducing public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. The DSGMC representative has demanded immediate arrest of Neelam Dube.