Popular Hindutva priest Yati Narsinghanand has reportedly been arrested by the Dehat police in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, following his inflammatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), which have sparked significant outrage.
Narsinghanand, the former ‘Peethadheeshwar’ of the prominent Dasna Temple in Ghaziabad, is currently being held at the Ghaziabad Police Lines. To date, three cases have been registered against him.
Following Friday prayers, hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, and other towns across the country, demanding action against the Hindu seer. Protests also occurred in various states, with even the Haramain Sharifain calling on international organizations to take action against individuals like Narsinghanand.
On Thursday, the Uttar Pradesh police booked Narsinghanand for alleged hate speech made at Hindi Bhawan in Ghaziabad’s Lohia Nagar on September 29. An FIR was filed under Section 302 (hurting someone’s religious feelings) based on a complaint by police sub-inspector Trivendra Singh. Initially, the police stated that they had not yet arrested him; however, they had taken notice of a video of the alleged hate speech that has since gone viral. “Any action will be taken after the investigation of the alleged video,” said Sachin Kumar, Station House Officer of Sihani Gate Police Station.
In his speech at Hindi Bhawan, Narsinghanand reportedly stated, “If you have to burn effigies on every Dussehra, then burn the effigies of Mohammed.” The police took action after the video gained public attention, although no arrests were made at that time. The speech was allegedly delivered at an event organized by the Major Asharam Vyag Seva Sansthan at the Dasna Temple, where he serves as the head priest.
Narsinghanand has a history of legal troubles related to hate speech, including a prior arrest in 2022. According to a report by Muslim Mirror, he is known for his inflammatory rhetoric, often targeting Islam and Prophet Muhammad. He has also made controversial statements about other figures, including former President Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Modi.
In a previous address, Narsinghanand articulated his vision for an “Akhand Hindu Rashtra,” drawing inspiration from historical figures like Savarkar and Shivaji. He claimed that this vision should extend beyond India until Hindutva reaches Makkah and the Kaaba, which he alleged contains a Shiv temple beneath it, a statement that attracted widespread criticism.
Following unrest in Israel last year, Narsinghanand controversially expressed his intention to travel there with 1,000 supporters to assist Israel in the war effort at no cost.
