Muslims protest in front of Police Station in Sambhajinagar

• Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj’s statement about Prophet Mohammad

• Chants of ‘Allah Hu Akbar’ and create ruckus

• Coerced Police to take action

• Demand to arrest Ramgiri Maharaj

Sambhajinagar (Maharashtra) – AIMIM leaders and Muslims gathered in large numbers in front of City Chowk Police Station at Paithan Gate in Sambhajinagar on 16th August. They demanded the arrest of Ramgiri Maharaj and attempted to cause unrest. Their leaders said, ‘We will not remain silent until Maharaj is arrested’. They also demanded that Maharaj be given the death penalty. This protest was sparked by comments allegedly made by Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj about Prophet Mohammad during a discourse at an Akhand Harinam Saptah in Panchale, Sinnar.

The Police tried to communicate with the mob, but the protesters became aggressive, loudly chanting ‘Allah Hu Akbar’ (Allah is Great). A large Police force was deployed at the scene. The Police urged the Muslims to maintain peace and accepted their memorandum, assuring them that their demands would be considered, and action would be taken.

I stand by my statement : Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj

When asked by the media about the incident, Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj said, ‘I stand by what I said. I am ready to face the consequences. Our Saptah is ongoing. We’ll see what happens after that’.

Thousands of Muslims block Nagar-Sambhajinagar highway

On 16th August, thousands of Muslims blocked the Nagar to Sambhajinagar highway. They gathered in large numbers, with some striking the picture of Maharaj on a flex banner with their hands.

Case filed against Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj in Yeola

Muslims staged a sit-in protest against Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj of Sarla Bet. They surrounded the Yeola Police Station, demanding that a case be immediately registered against Mahant. The protest continued until 11 p.m., after which the Police filed a case against Maharaj.

National Warkari Council Demands Protection for Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj

The National Warkari Council has issued a statement condemning the protest against Maharaj and demanding protection for him. The statement mentions that earlier, when painter M.F. Hussain offended religious sentiments of Hindus worldwide by painting obscene and nude images of Hindu Deities, Hindus filed formal complaints without taking the law into their hands. Therefore, the Police should take action against those who are taking the law into their hands.

No one will dare harm a Saint : Chief Minister

An Akhand Harinam Saptah is organised in Panchale, Sinnar. On 16th August, during his visit, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj. Praising Maharaj, the Chief Minister said, ‘Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj has guided society and the Warkaris. Anand Dighe also used to attend the Saptah. There is a great tradition of Saints in this State. The State functions with the blessings of the Saints, and therefore, no one in Maharashtra will dare to touch a single strand of hair of a Saint’.