UP: Man arrested for burning Ramayan and image of Lord Hanuman in Shahjanpur a day after Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha
Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India 
22 January, 2024
Case Summary
On January 24, Uttar Pradesh police arrested Rishi Dutt Mishra for burning a copy of the Ramayana and an image of Lord Hanuman in Shahjahanpur. Mishra, from Sarai Kaiyan in Ram Chandra Mission, posted a video of his act on social media. The incident occurred on January 23. The police identified him through the video, and an FIR was registered at Ram Chandra Mission Police Station. The motive behind Mishra's actions was unclear. This incident followed the consecration of Ram Lalla at Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
Icons and symbols or a religious representation of a spiritual ideal are widely revered in Hinduism. Iconography is of vital significance in the Hindu milieu. It helps connect people’s spiritual beliefs with the real world. Iconography within the Hindu faith takes several shapes and forms. Murtis are of most significance to Hindus, to which daily rituals, prayers and offerings are done. Besides the murtis, there are several other symbols which have deep significance in the Hindu faith – the Om and Swastika for example. Since these Hindu religious symbols hold paramount importance in Hinduism, any desecration of symbols, icons, murtis, religious representations and manifestations, is driven by animosity towards the faith itself which manifests itself through these murtis, icons and symbols. Therefore, any desecration of these Hindu religious symbols and representations is considered religiously motivated hate crimes under this category.
Case Status
Arrested
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Others
Perpetrators Range
One Person
Perpetrators Gender
male
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