Aide threatens to burn effigies of Prophet over FIRs against Narsinghanand

The controversial Hindu priest Yati Narsinghanand, the head priest of Dasna Devi Temple and known for his vituperation targeting the Muslim community, has had multiple FIRs filed against him in UP, Telangana, and Rajasthan for his inflammatory speech targeting Prophet Muhammad.

Narsinghanand's speech degrading the Prophet has ignited widespread protests across the country, with Hyderabad MP and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi demanding his immediate arrest. Meanwhile, Anil Yadav, also known as 'Chota Narsinghanand,' threatened to burn effigies of Prophet Muhammad and key Islamic figures, such as Caliph Ali and Abu Bakar Siddiq, in response to protests against Narsinghanand.

Yadav claimed that the backlash over the priest’s remarks stemmed from a misunderstanding of the statement. Effigies of Narsinghanand have already been torched in multiple locations, and a protest has been scheduled at the Ghaziabad collectorate. Yadav warned that if these effigies continued to be burned, they would retaliate by burning effigies of revered Islamic figures.

Meanwhile, FIRs have been registered in Ghaziabad and Hyderabad against Narsinghanand for his remarks. The case in Hyderabad was filed at the Nampally police station, based on a complaint by a local resident, under sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).

These sections cover charges related to religious offences and incitement to violence. Narsinghanand’s controversial speech was delivered on September 29 at a public event in Ghaziabad’s Lohia Nagar, sparking condemnation not only within India but also from international quarters. His remarks have been described as blasphemous by several organisations and individuals, further fuelling the nationwide protests.

In addition to the legal action in Hyderabad, a complaint was also lodged in Rajasthan by the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council (AISSC). The complaint, filed by the council’s secretary, accused Narsinghanand of spreading anarchy and deliberately making hate speech targeting Prophet Muhammad.

The council urged the police to take immediate action against the priest and invoked the Information Technology Act, given that videos of his statements had gone viral on social media platforms, further amplifying the outrage.

The protests against Narsinghanand’s remarks have been particularly intense in Hyderabad, where demonstrations were held throughout the night in several parts of the city. Complaints against him were submitted at multiple police stations, with protesters demanding swift action. The situation in Hyderabad has been monitored closely by the police, who have remained on high alert to prevent any escalation of violence.

Narsinghanand has a history of making incendiary comments, particularly against Islam. He was previously arrested for delivering a hate speech in Haridwar, an incident that attracted significant media attention and led to calls for stronger action against those who incite communal hatred. Despite his past arrest, he continues to make similar statements, leading to renewed demands for his prosecution.

Muslim organisations in Hyderabad, including the Markaz-e-Ahle Sunnat Wa Jammat, have urged the authorities to take immediate action. They also highlighted that Narsinghanand’s actions violate his bail conditions, which prohibit him from engaging in hate speech. These groups have called for his arrest, accusing him of repeatedly insulting the Prophet and stoking communal tensions.