MAPUSA
Although it seemed the issue of a minor hurting religious sentiments had been settled last week, devotees of Devi Lairai gathered outside the Mapusa Police Station on Tuesday, renewing their demand for the arrest of the girl who had posted a critique of the “homkhand” ritual performed during the Shirgao Zatra on social media.
The protesters, asserting that the girl is of major age, warned authorities that they would block the road in Assonora and take the law into their own hands if she was not apprehended.
At around 11 am, a significant crowd converged at the Mapusa police station, insisting on strict action against the girl for allegedly insulting their religious sentiments.
The protesters argued that the girl was not a minor, as claimed by her parents, and called for her immediate arrest.
One of the protesters, Upendra Gaonkar, expressed that the teenager’s social media post had deeply hurt the devotees’ sentiments.
“We demand the police to arrest her immediately. We will not rest until the girl is arrested,” Gaonkar stated as the agitated crowd blocked the entrance of the police station and chanted slogans.
To maintain order, a substantial police presence was stationed at the police station.
Senior police officers later permitted a delegation from the group to enter the station for discussions.
The delegation reiterated their demand for the girl’s immediate arrest.
The Mapusa police assured the protesters that they would seek permission from the court to arrest the girl.
It is noteworthy that last week, the girl, who police initially stated was a minor, had posted on Instagram questioning the cultural and environmental implications of the traditional fire ritual, expressing concern over its environmental impact.
In response, devotees of Devi Lairai had rushed to the police station, demanding action against her.
The police subsequently filed an FIR against the girl under Section 295(A) of the IPC, which pertains to actions intended to insult religious beliefs.
In a public plea, the girl’s mother apologised on behalf of her daughter and requested the complainants to withdraw their complaint.
However, the devotees remain steadfast in their demand for the arrest of the teenager.
