Kochi: Controversial spiritual guru Himaval Bhadrananda, known as Thoku Swami, was Tuesday arrested on the charge of spreading religious hatred through social media.
Police had suo motu registered a case against him last year at Ernakulam North police station for writing a Facebook post that allegedly hurt religious sentiments.
Bhadrananda has been charged under Section 153 (A) of IPC which ensures punishment for persons promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, police said.
He was facing trial for allegedly opening fire at Aluva police station in 2008.