Case against Baghel’s dad for hate speech against Brahmins

Raipur Police registered a case against Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel’s father, Nand Kumar Baghel, for making derogatory comments against a community.

Following a complaint filed by the Sarv Brahmin Samaj, the DD Nagar Police registered an FIR late on Saturday night against the 86-year-old Nand Kumar Baghel, Ajay Kumar Yadav, Senior Superintendent of Police, Raipur, said on Sunday.

The case was registered under Indian Penal Code Sections 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language) and 505(1)(b) (with intent to cause, or likely to cause, fear or alarm to public, or to any section of public whereby any person may be induced to commit offence against the State or against public tranquility).

The Sarv Brahmin Samaj in its complaint alleged that the CM’s father recently made an appeal to people to boycott Brahmins by terming them as foreigners, and also asked people to not let them enter their villages, the FIR said.

It also accused the senior Baghel of making derogatory comments against Lord Rama earlier, the FIR added.

The organisation also said a video of the purported comments was available on social media platforms.

On Sunday morning, Chief Minister Baghel said, “No one in the ruling Government is above the law, even if it’s my father.”

“The State Government respects the feelings of people of all caste, creed, religion, class and every community,” Baghel added.

Social harmony has been hurt due to the remarks made by my father against a particular class and I am also deeply saddened by his statement, the anguished Chief Minister stated.

Meanwhile, the senior Baghel has tendered an apology for his remarks against the community.

He said in his social media post: “I am not against anyone, but I am ready to go jail for SC, ST, OBC and minority people. As long as there is life, I will fight for their rights.”