Karnataka writer Bhagawan booked over remarks against Lord Ram, Hindu scriptures

The Karnataka Police have registered an FIR against rationalist writer K.S. Bhagawan following controversial remarks about Lord Ram and Hindu scriptures at a public event. He has been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for hurting religious sentiments

Davanagere (Karnataka):  The Karnataka police registered an FIR against noted writer and rationalist K.S. Bhagawan over alleged remarks concerning Hindu beliefs, Lord Ram, and Hindu scriptures made during a public event earlier this week, police officials said on Saturday.

The FIR was registered on Friday by the Harihara Rural Police in Davanagere district following a complaint filed by Dinesh, a resident of KR Nagar in Harihar.

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According to the complaint, Bhagawan allegedly made the controversial remarks while addressing a programme organised by the Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samiti at B. Krishnappa Maitrivan in Hanagawadi village on June 9.

The event was held to mark the birth anniversaries of social reformer Prof. B. Krishnappa and Dr B.R. Ambedkar. During his speech, Bhagawan allegedly made statements about Lord Ram, Hindu deities and the Valmiki Ramayan that the complainant described as derogatory and provocative.

Among the remarks cited in the complaint were claims that “Shri Rama was not born to King Dasharath” and assertions that Hindus should not worship Hindu gods. The complaint further alleged that Bhagawan described Hindu deities as murderers and claimed that Dr B.R. Ambedkar had supported such views.

According to the complainant, the statements insulted Hindu religious beliefs, deities and sacred texts, including the Valmiki Ramayan. It was also alleged that the remarks hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus and had the potential to disturb communal harmony and create social unrest.

Based on the complaint, Harihara Rural Police have booked Bhagawan under Sections 196(1)(a) and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police said an investigation is underway to ascertain the facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged remarks.

Bhagawan, a retired professor and prominent rationalist thinker, has long been known for his criticism of mainstream Hindu scriptures and traditional religious narratives. His interpretations of Hindu texts and deities have often sparked controversy, protests and legal complaints across Karnataka.

In the past, Bhagawan triggered widespread outrage by claiming that the Valmiki Ramayan contains references to Lord Ram and Sita consuming wine. He also argued that Ram could not be regarded as an ideal ruler because of episodes such as the exile of Sita and the killing of the Shudra ascetic Shambuka.

The writer had also drawn criticism after announcing his intention to burn selected pages of the Bhagavad Gita, alleging that certain passages promoted social inequality by portraying women, Vaishyas and Shudras in a discriminatory manner.