A viral video showing the burning of an effigy of Lord Ram and chants in praise of Ravana has led to the arrest of 36-year-old Adaikalaraj in Trichy, Tamil Nadu.
The incident, which occurred on September 30, 2025, was posted by the group Iyntham Tamilar Sangam (also known as Fifth Tamil Sangam) on its Facebook page, sparking widespread outrage.
The Trichy Cyber Crime Police registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and are actively searching for other individuals involved in the act.
Arrest and Legal Action Under New Penal Code
The Cyber Crime Police registered Crime No. 18/2025 under BNS sections 192 (outraging religious feelings), 196(1)(a) (promoting enmity), 197 (acts prejudicial to national integration), 299 (criminal conspiracy), 302 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and 353(2) (assaulting public servants).
The accused, Adaikalaraj, was arrested on October 2 following a complaint by Trichy Cyber Crime Officer Karthi. The video shows the group’s leader, Pandian, burning a picture of Lord Ram while others chant “Ravanane Potri” (Hail Ravana).
A graphic was also posted showing a ten-headed Ravana carrying a veena, replacing the burnt effigy of Ram, reportedly. Police warned against circulating the video, stating it was done with an “ulterior motive of destroying public peace and creating chaos”.
Outrage from Hindu Groups and Political Leaders
The act has drawn sharp condemnation from Hindu Munnani and BJP leaders, who described it as a “desecration” that wounded the sentiments of millions. R. Gunasekar, a Hindu Munnani functionary, filed a formal complaint, warning that such acts could incite violence and deepen caste and regional divides.
BJP leader SG Suryah linked the incident to a historical anti-Hindu legacy, referencing EV Ramasamy’s 1971 act of garlanding Ram’s image with slippers. The presence of the Sri Rangam Ranganathar temple, one of the 108 Divya Shetrams, in Trichy has further intensified local religious sentiments.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
While freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy, it must not be used to provoke religious hatred or incite division. Acts that deliberately outrage faith only deepen societal fractures and undermine the spirit of coexistence. In a diverse nation like India, mutual respect and dialogue are essential to preserving harmony.
