FIR registered in Gandoh after complaint by Sanatan Dharam Sabha citing distortion of Hindu scriptures and hurt sentiments.
Doda, August 23 – Police in Gandoh, district Doda, have lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against four individuals, including three media persons, for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Sanatan Dharma and its sacred traditions. The FIR, registered under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, follows a written complaint submitted by the Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Kalgoi Bhalessa.
According to the complaint, Abdul Rehman, along with media persons Amir Zafar Wani (The Straight Line), Sagar Butt (JK Republic), and Sahran Khan (News Sehar India), made or circulated statements that “defamed Sanatan Dharma, distorted scriptures, and hurt Hindu religious sentiments.”
Defamatory Remarks Alleged
* The Sabha, in its complaint, accused Abdul Rehman of delivering a series of remarks on August 22, 2025, that were “deeply offensive and disrespectful” towards Hindu beliefs. The allegations include:
* Dismissing the significance of idols in Hinduism and equating idol worship with “evil practices.”
* Suggesting that Hindu prayers are meaningless and directed to “nothing.”
* Claiming that Hinduism offers no proper way of life, while describing Islam as “superior.”
* Misinterpreting Hindu epics by alleging that Lord Krishna was the brother-in-law of Sita, wife of Lord Rama.
* Denying the existence of Mata Sita, and making derogatory references to Hindu women in general.
The Sabha asserted that such remarks have “caused deep offence to the Hindu community and risk disturbing communal harmony in Bhalessa.”
Media Coverage Under Scanner
The FIR also names three media persons, accusing them of reporting and broadcasting the controversial remarks “in a manner that aggravated the situation.” The Sabha stated that this style of coverage “further inflamed tensions” and contributed to unrest in the area.
Police Action
The FIR (No. 0086/2025) was registered at Police Station Gandoh shortly after midnight on August 23, 2025. Sub-Inspector Amit Sharma has been assigned to investigate the matter, under the supervision of SHO Gandoh, Mohd Farooq.
Police confirmed that the case has been booked under Section 299 BNS, which pertains to acts intended to outrage religious feelings. A copy of the FIR has also been dispatched to the local court.
Sabha's Reaction.
The Sanatan Dharam Sabha has cautioned authorities that the remarks have already caused “grave hurt” to religious sentiments and could lead to tensions in the sensitive Chandrabhaga region.
The complaint has been forwarded to senior officials, including the DIG DKR Range, Deputy Commissioner Doda, SSP Doda, and SDPO Gandoh, urging strict action to prevent recurrence of such incidents.