Chhattisgarh Christian Forum office-bearer arrested for objectionable social media post
An office bearer of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum has been arrested in Raipur for allegedly hurting religious sentiments by posting an objectionable comment on social
An office bearer of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum has been arrested in Raipur for allegedly hurting religious sentiments by posting an objectionable comment on social media, said the police on Saturday (August 8, 2026). 75-year-old Arun Pannalal, a visible face of the Christian community in the local media, was arrested after a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged against him on the basis of a complaint filed by Amit Chimnani, a spokesperson of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
In his complaint, Mr. Chimnani alleged that the Mr. Pannalal’s comments hurt the sentiments of followers of Hinduism and Sanatan Dharma and that they were made with an intention to promote hatred and enmity between different communities, potentially disturbing peace and public order. Pannalal had purportedly made the “highly objectionable” comment on a Hindu deity in the comment section under another post on a social media app. The original post was shared by Hansraj Goyal.
Soon the screenshots were shared of both the posts and social media users took exception to it. According to the police, Mr. Pannalal was booked under Sections 196 (promoting enmity between different groups), 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) and 352(2) (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He was subsequently arrested and sent to judicial custody. Even as the police initiated action, Bajrang Dal workers and leaders staged a protest at Mr. Pannalal’s house in Raipur on Friday (August 7, 2026) night.
Heavy police deployment was made in the area during the protest. According to a YouTube channel on which Mr. Pannal often posts, the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum is serving since 1999 against “Christian persecution and many social and political issues”. Other representatives of the forum were not available for a comment.
The BriefWire