Dibrugarh Police has arrested one person for “misuse” of cultural creations of Srimanta Sankardev and presentation of Assamese culture in the distorted form.
The arrested person has been identified as Ranjan Chutia, a resident of Moran.
Dibrugath Police has booked Chutia under sections 153(A) and 195 (A) of IPC.
He was arrested on Wednesday on the basis of a complaint filed against him.
Recently, a video went viral on social media where Ranjan Chutia was seen misusing traditional ‘Bihu’ songs, Naam Ghosha by Srimanta Sankardev by putting Jesus Christ’s name in the lyrics. It was also seen in the viral video that people were playing traditional Assamese drums wearing western outfits.
As the video went viral on social media, the Srimanta Sankardev Sangha and the Borduwa Thaan authority expressed strong reactions and sought action against Ranjan Chutia.
Talking to this correspondent, Dibrugarh additional superintendent of police (HQ) Bitul Chetia said, “We have arrested Ranjan Chutia on the basis of a complaint lodged against him for misusing other religious beliefs and traditions.”
“He is under medical treatment at AMCH for Covid. We have registered a case against him and our investigation is on,” the police officer said.
“Ranjan Chutia and his companion started a prayer house named ‘World Healing Prayer Centre’ in Moran a few years ago. People come to his centre for treatment,” said Chetia.
Hindu Yuba Chatra Parishad lodged an FIR against Chutia at Moran police station.
Chutia recreates Borgeet, Naam Ghosha (created by Srimanta Sankardev to spread Eksharan Naam Dharma, a Vaishnavite religion) and puts Jesus Christ’s name in the lyrics.
Meanwhile, the Hindu Yuba Chatra Parishad reacted strongly against such activities and warned the leader of the organisation to refrain from the same.
“It is a tactic used for conversion. It is an attack on our religion. We would not let anyone play with our religion and its belief,” said a member of the Hindu organisation.