Meghalaya: Influencer Booked For Chanting Religious Slogan In Church

A social media influencer, Akash Sagar, is facing legal trouble in Meghalaya after a video he posted went viral. The clip shows him and two others chanting religious slogans inside a church. The incident occurred at the Church of Epiphany in Mawlynnong, East Khasi Hills. Akash shared the video on Instagram, where he has over 1.5 million followers.

In the video, Akash and his companions are seen entering the altar area of the church. They chant slogans and sing altered versions of Christian hymns. This act was perceived as desecrating the sanctity of the church. A Shillong-based activist filed a complaint at Laitumkhrah Police Station, condemning the act as deliberate and premeditated.

Legal Action and Public Reaction

The activist alleged that Akash's actions were intended to insult Christianity and incite communal discord in a region known for its religious harmony. Following this complaint, Meghalaya Police registered an FIR against Akash Sagar and his companions. They face charges related to trespassing, disrupting public harmony, and insulting religious beliefs.

In response to the FIR, Akash Sagar took to social media to dismiss the allegations against him. In a post that has since been deleted, he questioned the basis of the complaint by stating, "For saying Jai Shree Ram?" He also shared screenshots of news articles about the FIR and accused his critics of acting like "traitors."

Influencer's Defence

Akash attempted to justify his actions by referencing a Karnataka High Court ruling from another case. This ruling had dismissed criminal proceedings against individuals accused of shouting religious slogans inside a mosque. He used this as a defence for his actions in Meghalaya.

The incident has sparked discussions about religious tolerance and freedom of expression in India. It highlights ongoing tensions between different communities and raises questions about respecting places of worship.