The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has initiated legal action against prominent Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh. The organization has filed an official police complaint alleging that the actor insulted Goddess Chamundadevi during his appearance at the closing ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
Details of the Allegation and Police Complaint
According to the complaint submitted to the Panaji police station, Ranveer Singh's actions on stage crossed a line of religious sensitivity. The HJS claims that Singh imitated the divine form of a deity famously depicted in the blockbuster Kannada film Kantara – Chapter 1, starring Rishab Shetty. Furthermore, the complaint alleges that Singh referred to the Chamundi Daiva—a deity deeply revered by the Kotitulu (Tulu) community—as a "female ghost."
HJS members Pramod Tuyekar and Dilip Shetye formally presented a memorandum to sub-inspector Sahin Shetye at the Panaji police station. They have urged the authorities to register a case against the actor under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for allegedly hurting Hindu religious sentiments.
Community Sentiment and Demands for Action
The HJS, in its statement, emphasized the gravity of the incident. "Chamundi Daiva is considered a sacred family deity of the Tulu community, and depicting or describing the deity in a derogatory manner amounts to disrespect," the organization stated. They warned that such acts could provoke public resentment and disturb communal peace.
The controversy took another turn with reports suggesting that Kantara director and actor Rishab Shetty had personally asked Ranveer Singh not to imitate the 'Daiva Chavundi' during the event. This detail has added fuel to the ongoing debate about performance boundaries at public forums.
Calls for Apology and Future Safeguards
Beyond seeking police intervention, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has made several key demands. The organization has called for a thorough investigation into the matter. They have also appealed to the IFFI organizers to establish a clear code of conduct to prevent the insulting depiction of any religious deity at future ceremonies.
A central demand is for Ranveer Singh to issue a public apology. "Ranveer Singh should issue a public apology and assure he would refrain from making such remarks or performances in the future," the HJS said. The outfit has also requested its supporters to register their protest peacefully and within the confines of the law.
As of now, Ranveer Singh has not publicly commented on the allegations or the filed complaint. The Panaji police are reviewing the memorandum to decide on further legal action.
