Sai Baba controversy: Shankaracharya in soup

Sai devotee moves court against Shankaracharya

Haridwar: Troubles are mounting for Dwarakapeeth Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand, who was booked on Tuesday for “hurting religious sentiments”.

A case of hurting religious sentiments was registered against the Shankaracharya for his alleged remarks against Sai Baba.

Police inspector Ram Suryavanshi said here that offence was registered under section 295 (a) (malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings) and 298 (hurting religious sentiments) of the Indian Penal Code.

A complaint was filed in a local court in Indore against the Shankaracharya for his alleged remarks against Sai baba of Shirdi.

The complaint was filed by a law student, Abhishek Bhargava (23) before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Dilip Gupta.

"The court has posted the matter to August 20," said Abhishek's counsel Sanskar Bhargava.

But this did not stop Swami Swaroopanand from making another controversial statement. A news channel has quoted him as saying that the followers of Sai Baba should stop worshipping Lord Rama, taking holy bath in river Ganga, and chanting Har Har Mahadev.

Earlier in the day, he had declined giving any statement which could flare up tensions, a day after threatening the followers of Sai Baba of Shirdi.

In a turnabout, Swami Swaroopanand had this morning told Zee Media that there should be an amicable and logical debate over the issue.

In the meantime, protesters burnt Swaroopanand's effigy in Varanasi.

The Shankaracharya had earlier incited controversy by saying that worshipping Sai Baba was a conspiracy to divide Hindus. He had also said that Sai Baba should not be worshipped as he was a human being and not a God, and his temples should not be built. His statement was condemned by the followers of the saint.

Later, Swaroopanand threatened Sai Baba devotees, warning that his followers could flare up tensions.