NEW DELHI: The Meghalaya Police have filed a case against a man for allegedly trespassing into a church and shouting 'Jai Shri Ram' at its altar, an act that purportedly hurt the religious sentiments of the community.
The incident occurred on Thursday at a church in Mawlynnong village, located in East Khasi Hills district, and was shared by the individual on social media, according to an official statement on Friday.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma condemned the act, describing it as a deliberate attempt to disturb the peaceful coexistence of communities in the state.
"The action appears intentional. As a state government, we will take every measure to prevent anyone from fostering social, religious, or communal discord. Legal proceedings are already underway," the chief minister stated.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtynger confirmed that a case has been registered at Pynursla police station against the individual, identified as Akash Sagar on Instagram, following a formal complaint.
"An investigation is in progress, and efforts are being made to apprehend the accused," Nongtynger added.
Social activist Angela Rangad filed the initial police complaint, asserting that the act was premeditated and aimed at creating communal disharmony.
"Sagar intentionally trespassed into the altar area and shouted non-Christian slogans. This was a calculated act to insult the minority culture and violates constitutional rights of religious freedom," Rangad said.
The Central Puja Committee (CPC), a prominent Hindu organisation in Meghalaya, also condemned the act.
"We are deeply anguished by the video circulated on social media that violates the religious sentiments of this peace-loving state. We strongly denounce the actions of this individual and urge the police to take stringent action under the law," CPC president Naba Bhattacharjee remarked.
M Kharkrang, spokesperson for the Meghalaya BJP, stated, "Preventive measures must be implemented against such senseless acts, and appropriate legal action should follow to ensure that such misdeeds are duly punished."
In response to the incident, the Meghalaya Police have urged hotels, homestays, and tour operators to report any information regarding the whereabouts of Akash Sagar.
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