Shillong, Dec 27 (NationPress) Meghalaya Police have initiated a legal case after a social activist lodged a complaint against a man for allegedly offending the religious sentiments of individuals by entering a church and chanting 'Siya Ram Jai Jai Ram' in the East Khasi Hills district, as confirmed by an official on Friday.

In her complaint, social activist Angela Rangad stated that she discovered videos circulating on various social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, featuring an individual named Akash Sagar who was seen unlawfully entering the Church of Epiphany in Mawlynnong, East Khasi Hills, and intentionally disrespecting the religious sanctity of the church.

A police spokesperson noted that the individual had intruded into the church in Mawlynnong on Thursday and publicly recited a line from the ‘Siya Ram Jai Jai Ram’ devotional song while sharing a video on social media.

Rangad's FIR stated, "The individual purposefully and in a calculated manner trespassed into the altar area, vocally shouting non-Christian slogans and mockingly performing non-Christian songs. This act was executed intentionally and in collaboration with two others present in the video, aiming to incite communal discord, insulting minority beliefs and promoting a culture of hatred that contradicts the constitutional rights of religious freedom."

She expressed concern that this video cultivates a culture of fear and poses a risk of generating public disorder.

Furthermore, Rangad pointed out that these videos are being disseminated widely by accounts that advocate for religious majoritarianism and hatred, urging police to take stringent legal action against this individual involved in "this criminal act and conspiracy".

She also requested law enforcement to compel social media platforms to eliminate these videos, as well as the profiles sharing them.

Rangad emphasized, “This person must face charges, and legal proceedings should follow to ensure such criminal acts that threaten societal peace do not recur.”

Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has publicly condemned this incident, stating that legal measures are underway.

The Superintendent of Police for East Khasi Hills, Sylvester Nongtynger, confirmed the lodging of a case at the Pynursla police station against Akash Sagar, and investigations are currently in progress.

The BJP's Meghalaya unit has also denounced the event at the Mawlynnong Church, asserting, “An individual was observed engaging in actions that could potentially offend the feelings of Christians throughout the state and the nation.”

Chief Spokesperson for Meghalaya BJP, Mariahom Kharkrang, remarked that such lowly publicity stunts aimed at advancing personal agendas only harm the sentiments of right-thinking individuals across all faiths and could instigate inter-religious tensions.

“This must be prevented at all costs, especially in a state that prides itself on religious harmony, where individuals of diverse beliefs actively participate in each other's festivals.”

Kharkrang stated that the BJP has consistently supported the principles of positive secularism and is dedicated to upholding national unity while firmly believing in the equality of all religions.

He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi joins church leaders during Christmas Eve to promote the message of universal love.

Any action by an individual or group that disrupts the atmosphere of peaceful coexistence deserves strong condemnation, and appropriate preventive measures should be implemented, as conveyed in the statement.

The BJP has urged law enforcement to take necessary legal actions against the accused to ensure that such mischievous acts receive the punishment dictated by law.

Such foolish pranks, whose sole purpose is to disseminate malicious content on social media, have no place in a civilized society and must be addressed promptly, the party emphasized.

The President of the Central Puja Committee, an influential Hindu organization in Meghalaya, Naba Bhattacharjee, has also expressed disapproval of the incident.

Meghalaya Police have urged hotels, homestays, and tour operators to inform authorities if they have any information regarding the whereabouts of Akash Sagar.