A viral video featuring Dhirendra Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Baba, has captured the attention of many individuals from Hindu and Muslim communities, while also drawing criticism from Muslim clerics.
Bageshwar stands accused of blasphemy for his controversial remarks against Hazrat Ali, a warrior and 4th caliph of Islam. In the video, he is seen making a disrespectful comparison between Hazrat Ali and the Hindu deity Hanuman, stating, “Humare Bajrang Bali Ali kai Baap Hai,” which is being widely condemned.
He further proclaimed, “I am more powerful than any preacher of Islam, and those visiting Dargahs should instead come to me. I can assure you they are nothing in comparison to my powers.”
Attempting to whitewash his remarks he stated, “Hazrat Ali was a proponent of non-violence. I have read about him, and we respect all gods.” He added, “Actually, I asked a person possessed by a Jinn what his name is, and he replied Ali. In response, I mentioned that we have Bajrang Bali, who is also your father. Maula Ali is the God of non-violence and Muslims. I hold respect for him in my heart. If my words or statements have caused anyone hurt, I apologize.”
Irrespective of his attempted explanation, doubts persist about Shastri’s sincerity. Two versions of the single video are circulating: one with a single statement in support of whitewashing his controversial remarks, and the other presenting the full context.
Many viewed the apology as sufficient and many news outlets ended the debate on the apology leaving Shastri unchallenged keeping in view the first video. However, the complete video is evident to the disrespectful and abusive nature of his remarks.
Action Agianst Bageshwar
Numerous activists and social media users are demanding the arrest of Bageshwar Baba, using the hashtag #ArrestDhirendra. Both Sunni and Shia clerics have expressed outrage at his statement.
Shia Chand Committee Chairman, Maulana Saif Abbas Naqvi, officially filed a complaint at the Chowk Kotwali, urging legal action against Shastri.
In the formal complaint, Naqvi emphasized that Shastri’s remarks had not only offended Shia and Sunni sentiments but also undermined the religious beliefs of Hindus.He has given a complaint letter against Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri at Inspector Chowk in the capital Lucknow demanding registration of FIR.
