March 16, 2026 : A social media post allegedly made by a Raipur-based advocate has triggered communal tension in the city, leading to the registration of an FIR and protests by Hindu organisations outside a local police station.
The accused, identified as advocate Anjum Khan from the Rajatalab area of Raipur, is alleged to have posted remarks considered derogatory toward Hindu deities while sharing Ramzan greetings on his social media status. The post quickly circulated across WhatsApp groups and other social platforms, drawing strong reactions from local residents and religious groups.
Post Goes Viral, Tension Builds
According to local reports, screenshots of the post began spreading rapidly shortly after it appeared online. Members of Hindu organisations claimed the content insulted Hindu gods and goddesses and demanded immediate legal action.
The exact content of the post has not been independently verified, and Anjum Khan’s response or explanation regarding the post has not yet been made public.
As the screenshots spread, tensions rose in the Rajatalab area and nearby neighbourhoods, prompting calls for police intervention.
Protest at Rajatalab Police Station
Soon after the controversy erupted, activists from several Hindu organisations gathered outside the Rajatalab police station and staged a protest, demanding that the advocate be booked and arrested.
The protesters surrounded the police station for some time, insisting that authorities take immediate action under laws protecting religious sentiments. Police deployed additional personnel to control the crowd and ensure the situation did not escalate into violence.
FIR Registered, Investigation Begins
Following a complaint from local activists, police registered an FIR against Anjum Khan. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether the post constitutes a deliberate act intended to hurt religious sentiments.
In cases of alleged insults to religion, police typically invoke provisions dealing with deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, such offences can carry punishment of up to three years in prison, a fine, or both if proven in court.
As of now, it has not been confirmed whether the advocate has been arrested or has moved the court seeking anticipatory bail.
Free Speech vs Religious Sentiment
Legal experts note that Indian law allows restrictions on speech that could disturb public order or offend religious beliefs. However, courts have repeatedly emphasised that the threshold for criminal liability must be carefully examined and that investigations should proceed based on evidence rather than public pressure.
Authorities in Raipur are now focused on maintaining law and order while examining the facts of the case.
