Hate Speech: Case Registered Against Hindu Raksha Dal Leader in Dehradun
Hate Speech: Case Registered Against Hindu Raksha Dal Leader in Dehradun
M.U.H
21/06/202616
DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand Police have registered a case against Hindu Raksha Dal leader Lalit Sharma over alleged inflammatory remarks during a period of simmering communal tension in Dehradun, officials said.
The action comes days after the killing of BJP leader Vinod Kumar in the Sahaspur area, an incident that was followed by tension, reports of stone-pelting, arson and clashes in parts of the region.
A video that circulated widely on social media allegedly showed Sharma making provocative statements while addressing a gathering. According to reports, he urged the police to adopt a tougher approach and allegedly called for retaliatory action against members of the Muslim community.
In the video, Sharma is heard saying that if one Hindu is killed, four Muslims should be killed in retaliation. He also said the Uttarakhand Police should function like Uttar Pradesh Police and warned that those responsible would not be spared.
One of the most controversial portions of the speech involved threats against unborn children. According to the video, Sharma made remarks that drew sharp criticism from several quarters and led to demands for legal action.
The controversy intensified after the video spread across social media platforms, with many users accusing him of promoting communal hatred and violence. Civil society groups and locals also called for action, arguing that such statements could further inflame tensions in an already sensitive situation.
The developments came after authorities demolished the house of Imtiaz, the alleged main accused in the BJP leader’s murder case, using a bulldozer. Referring to the demolition, Sharma allegedly stated that bulldozers were meant for Muslims and not for Hindus, a remark that also attracted criticism.
Another Hindutva worker, identified as Bajrang Dal’s Aman Swedia, was also seen in the viral video allegedly supporting calls for retaliation. According to reports, he stated that if a funeral had arrived at one family’s home, a funeral should also reach the homes of the other side.
Police officials have not publicly disclosed the full details of the charges filed against Sharma, but sources said the case relates to statements that could promote enmity between communities and disturb public order.
The registration of the case has been welcomed by those who argued that strict action should be taken against hate speech, irrespective of the identity or affiliation of the speaker. Others have called for a thorough investigation into all aspects of the incident and the circumstances surrounding the violence that followed the murder of the BJP leader.
Authorities have appealed for calm and urged people not to spread rumours or inflammatory content on social media. Security arrangements have also been strengthened in sensitive areas to prevent any further deterioration in the law-and-order situation.
The investigation is continuing, and police are examining video footage and other evidence related to the case.
