14 Hindus arrested for paying respect to Bharat Mata photo [ Tamil Nadu, India ]

[ Reported as seen ]

On September 30, 2023, police arrested 14 Hindus for putting a garland around Bharat Mata photo and pay respects at Kanyakumari Bhagawati Amman temple on Sannidhi Street. The ceremony was to celebrate 60 years of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

As a media report, the VHP had prepared to conduct a ceremony to honor the image of Goddess Bharat near the temple, an event spearheaded by Bajrang Dal state organiser Bhimaram. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when local law enforcement stepped in, forbidding the paying of respects to the Bharat Mata image.

A substantial police presence, consisting of over 70 officers, including ADSP Mathiazhagan and DSPs Mahesh Kumar and Krishnamurthy, was deployed with strict instructions stopping the celebration.

The police said, “There is no permission to pay respect to the Bharat Mata image.”

Despite the police ban, the VHP organizers defied the order and proceeded to garland the image of Bharat Mata, prompting immediate police action. All 14 individuals involved were swiftly arrested and transported to a private hall, where they commenced a hunger strike to protest their detention.

It was for intended to ensure “public safety” and “uphold law and order” in the region, as per the police.

Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Joint General Secretary Surendra Jain stated, “The Stalin Government of Tamil Nadu first spewed venom against Sanatan Hindu Dharma and is now banning peaceful programs organized by Hindu outfits, indicating its commitment to eliminate Hindu Dharma and its followers from Tamil Nadu.”