Raipur, Chhattisgarh – Police in Raipur have arrested Arun Pannalal, the 75-year-old president of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum, following allegations of derogatory social media remarks concerning Hindu deities. Pannalal was taken into custody late Friday night after a complaint was filed by Amit Chimnani, a spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The First Information Report (FIR) also names Hansraj Goyal, another individual involved in the alleged online exchange. Authorities state that the comments posted on Facebook hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community and could incite public discord.
Social Media Posts Trigger Police Action
The controversy began with posts on Facebook. According to the FIR, Hansraj Goyal allegedly made remarks questioning various Hindu religious beliefs and specifically named several deities, including Lord Shiva, Ram, Krishna, Vishnu, Hanuman, Indra, Brahma, and Ganesh. Following Goyal's post, Arun Pannalal reportedly added a comment that police described as "highly objectionable." One news report indicated Pannalal's comment included a question about Lord Shiva's Shivling.[theobserverpost+6]
BJP spokesperson Amit Chimnani filed a written complaint at the Civil Lines police station in Raipur. Chimnani provided police with screenshots and URLs of the Facebook posts and comments as evidence. He alleged that the remarks deeply offended followers of Hinduism and Sanatan Dharma. Chimnani further claimed that the posts were intentionally made to spread hatred, create animosity between different communities, and disturb peace and order within the state.[opindia+21]
Arrest and Legal Charges
Police initiated legal action based on Chimnani's complaint. Pannalal was arrested late on Friday, August 7, 2026. On Saturday, August 8, 2026, he was produced before a magistrate court and subsequently sent to judicial custody. Inspector Yaman Dewangan of the Civil Lines police station confirmed the arrest and judicial custody. Central DCP Tarkeshwar Patel stated that the police began investigating immediately after receiving the complaint and used the cyber cell and other teams to trace the accused.[opindia+9]
The FIR against Pannalal and Goyal includes charges under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act. These sections include 196 (promoting enmity between different groups or classes), 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and 353(2) (statements conducive to public mischief and hatred) or 352(2) (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace). Police confirmed that efforts are underway to locate and apprehend Hansraj Goyal, who is also an accused in the case.[opindia+15]
Public Reaction and Official Statements
Following the registration of the FIR and Pannalal's arrest, protests erupted outside his residence in Raipur. Workers and leaders from the Bajrang Dal, a Hindu nationalist organization, gathered to voice their disapproval of the alleged social media comments. Police quickly deployed additional personnel to the area to prevent any escalation and to disperse the protesters, ensuring the situation remained under control.[theobserverpost+10]
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai publicly supported the police action. He emphasized that the alleged remarks were made against Lord Shiva and the Shivling, which are revered in Sanatan Dharma. "He made objectionable remarks about Lord Shiva and the Shivling, who are revered in our Sanatan Dharma. An FIR has been registered against him, he has been arrested, and action has been taken," Sai stated. The BJP also condemned the alleged remarks, highlighting that they hurt the religious sentiments of devotees, particularly during the holy month of Sawan.[theobserverpost+5]
Background of Chhattisgarh Christian Forum President
Arun Pannalal, 75, holds a prominent position as the president of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum. The organization, established in 1995, has been vocal on various issues concerning the Christian minority in the state. The forum has frequently raised concerns regarding allegations of persecution, engaged in social advocacy, and worked on inter-community relations.[theobserverpost+7]
Pannalal himself has been known for bringing attention to issues of violence against Christians in Chhattisgarh. He also has a history in state politics; his political outfit, Sarva Adi Dal, unsuccessfully contested the 2023 Chhattisgarh Assembly polls and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Analysts have suggested that the vote share garnered by his party, along with other smaller parties, might have impacted the Congress party's votes in those elections. This arrest highlights the heightened sensitivity surrounding alleged offensive social media content pertaining to religious beliefs within the state.[theobserverpost+4]
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The Raipur Police have launched a full investigation into the matter. Officers will continue to examine the social media posts, comments, and the circumstances surrounding their publication. The primary objective of the investigation is to determine the full extent of the alleged offenses and to gather all necessary evidence. Police officials have indicated that further investigation is in progress and efforts to trace Hansraj Goyal are ongoing. The legal proceedings will follow established protocols, with Pannalal remaining in judicial custody as the case progresses. The incident underscores the critical need for respectful discourse, especially on social media, to maintain communal harmony in the region.[theobserverpost+5]
