In UP’s Sitapur, religious leader’s open threat while crowd cheers; police look the other way

New Delhi: In a video that went viral on social media on Friday, a religious leader can purportedly be heard issuing open threats to kidnap & rape woman of Muslim community. The man adorned in saffron robes made the hateful speech in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh on April 2.

“If any Muslim harbours ill will against Hindu women, I will kidnap and openly rape Muslim women out in public view,” the Mahant can be heard saying in the video.

While the local mahant made hateful remarks against the community, he was cheered by the crowd present there. Many clapped while others shoulted slogans. The police have begun investigation and launched a probe based on viral video.

Sitapur is situated merely about 100 km from capital Lucknow.

The video was shared on Twitter by Mohammed Zubair, co-founder of a fact checking website. He also tagged the UP police and sought immediate action. In his video clip, a man in a police uniform can also be seen in the background.

Sitapur Police, issuing a reply said that the matter is under investigation and action will be taken on basis of facts.

“Investigation by Additional Superintendent of Police is in progress. Legal action will be taken as per rules on the basis of the facts and evidence,” tweeted Sitapur Police.

अपर पुलिस अधीक्षक उत्तरी द्वारा जांच प्रचलित है। प्राप्त तथ्यों एवं साक्ष्यों के आधार पर नियमानुसार विधिक कार्यवाही सुनिश्चित की जाएगी।

— Sitapur Police (@sitapurpolice) April 7, 2022

The Mahant’s rant against Muslim women created a social media uproar and many netizens demanded swift action. The National Commission for Women has also condemned the remarks and demanded the arrest of priest.