Pune: Advocate Tausif Sheikh, an office-bearer of the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram), has filed a complaint against Ramgiri Maharaj for his alleged remarks on Prophet Mohammad. The case has been registered at Kondhwa police station of Pune.
Sahadev Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj, from Sadguru Shri Gangagiri Maharaj Sansthan, Sarala Bet, Taluka Shrirampur, District Ahmednagar, had made some indirect remarks about Prophet Muhammad.
Advocate Tausif Chand Sheikh (32) is a resident of NIBM Road, Kondhwa in Pune. Advocate Sheikh reportedly found this content to be objectionable, defamatory and created with the intention of creating communal tension and inciting riots, thereby unlawfully harming national unity.
According to the complaint filed by Advocate Tausif, "Ramgiri Maharaj's speech was recorded with the intent to incite riots and spread fear, and it has been circulated on social media. It is an attempt to create discord between two communities. As a result, our religious sentiments have been hurt."
After discovering the hurtful content, Advocate Tausif approached Kondhwa police station. Based on his complaint, Kondhwa police have registered a case under sections 192- provocation, 196 - promoting enmity, 197, 299, 302 - hurting religious sentiments, 353(2) - public mischief, 356(2), and 356(3) - defamation - of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023.
Who is Ramgiri Maharaj
Ramgiri Maharaj, a prominent religious leader, has been at the forefront of continuing the legacy of the revered Sadguru Gangagir Maharaj. Born in 1814 in Kapurwadi, Vaijapur Taluka, Gangagir Maharaj was a significant figure in the Warkari sect, known for his efforts to unite people under oppressive rule.
He established a monastery at Sarala Bet, a site on the banks of the Godavari River, where he worked tirelessly to support the downtrodden. The site was later expanded with the donation of 65 acres of fertile land by Rupchand Sancheti, a devotee from Vaijapur.
Gangagir Maharaj’s influence extended far, with even Shirdi's Sai Baba recognizing him as a spiritual mentor. He is credited with initiating the tradition of the Akhand Harinam Saptah, a continuous week-long religious festival that has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest, marked by its organized daily food distribution.
After Gangagir Maharaj's Mahasamadhi in 1902, his disciples continued his legacy. The tradition has been carried forward through several generations of spiritual leaders, with Ramgiri Maharaj taking up the mantle in 2009.
Over the past 15 years, Ramgiri Maharaj has not only maintained Sarala Bet's status as a spiritual center but has also developed it into a significant tourist destination.
In addition to his work at Sarala Bet, Ramgiri Maharaj has also played a key role in transforming the nearby Shani Dev village, a significant site for Shani Maharaj worship. His efforts have led to a considerable increase in the number of devotees and tourists visiting both Sarala Bet and Shani Dev village.
As the current leader of the palanquin (palkhi) procession, Ramgiri Maharaj continues to uphold and expand the traditions set by his predecessors, ensuring the enduring legacy of Sadguru Gangagir Maharaj remains vibrant and influential.
