Most Videos Of Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj's Objectionable Remark On Prophet Mohammad Deleted: Maharashtra Police Tells High Court

The Bombay High Court was on Thursday informed that the Sinnar Police and also the Maharashtra Police's Cyber Cell have deleted all the links and videos of controversial self-styled godman Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj, wherein, he has made some objectionable comments against Prophet Mohammad and has hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community.

A division bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Prithviraj Chavan was told that pursuant to the bench's earlier order, the Police had deleted all the videos and links, which were pointed out by the complainants in the 58 First Information Reports (FIRs) lodged against Ramgiri Maharaj.

However, the investigating officer (IO) of the Sinnar Police, who appeared in the court, virtually, said that several such videos or links of the objectionable comment are still available on social media websites. "As and when the complainants flag any such links or videos, we will take steps to delete those too," the officer assured the judges.

The IO further informed the bench that a notice had been issued to Ramgiri Maharaj, the accused in the case and that he had assured the police that as and when required, he would cooperate with the probe.

The bench, however, voiced its concern of action against persons, who are circulating the objectionable video on various sites and social media platforms.

"What about those, who are circulating those videos? You will have to take action against them too," the bench said, to which the officer assured that proper steps will be taken.

Taking the submissions of the officer on record, the judges said, "We expect Sinnar Police and also the cyber cell to file separate affidavits spelling out the steps taken to remove the objectionable material. The affidavit to also include the number of requests received to delete the videos in question and action taken on each such requisition."

The bench has been hearing a bunch of petitions seeking action against Ramgiri Maharaj, who in an event in Sinnar district made some objectionable comments about Prophet Muhammad and his alleged relationship with a six-year-old girl. The petitions have highlighted the fact that soon after the video went viral on social media platforms, there have been protests across the State.

The petitions also voiced concerns over the possibilities of 'unrest' due to the videos and the chances of a law and order situation that may erupt if no action is taken against the controversial godman.

The bench granted three weeks time to the police team to file its affidavit in the matter.