Arrest and release of devout Hindu Sambhaji (Banda) Salunkhe

Case of exposing flaws in the security system of Shri Mahalakshmi Devi Temple in Kolhapur through a video

Rahul Chaturvedi (on the left) showing entering the temple with a gun in hand

Kolhapur — While exposing flaws in the security system at the Shri Mahalakshmi Devi Temple here, Rahul Chaturvedi entered the temple on 29 December at 2:30 p.m. with a gun tucked at his waist. On this occasion, devout Hindu Mr Sambhaji (Banda) Salunkhe was present with him.

At present, prohibitory orders under Section 37(1)(a) to (f) are in force in the district. As these were violated, a case was registered against both individuals at the Old Rajwada Police Station under Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act; Sections 223 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; Sections 3 and 25 of the Indian Arms Act; and under the Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act. After the case was registered, devout Hindu Mr Sambhaji (Banda) Salunkhe was arrested and later released on bail.

Understanding the intent behind the incident is important! — Advocate Uday Patil

Speaking to Dainik Sanatan Prabhat, Advocate Uday Patil, who is representing devout Hindu Mr Sambhaji (Banda) Salunkhe in court, said that it is important to understand the intent behind their actions. The police are claiming that “the security machinery was held to ransom”; however, in reality, the objective of both individuals was to expose flaws in the security system. Because these two exposed the shortcomings, the true situation came to light.

After revealing these flaws, neither of them fled or went into hiding. If the Police begin registering cases against those who expose lapses in security systems, then in the future no one will come forward to point out such deficiencies. In fact, this incident has awakened the administration and prevented a possible mishap in the future. Therefore, arresting Sambhaji Salunkhe was wrong; these points have been presented by us before the court.

Devotee enters Shri Mahalakshmi Devi Temple with a gun to expose serious flaws in security arrangements

Once again, a question mark has been raised over the security system of the Shri Mahalakshmi Devi Temple, one of the three-and-a-half Shakti Peethas. Metal detectors are installed at all four entrances of the temple. Despite this, a devotee entered the temple through one of the gates with a gun tucked at his waist. At that time, he was not stopped by any security guard, nor by any police personnel, and no frisking was conducted. This incident came to light after the devotee himself recorded the video and shared it on social media.