Gwalior youth, a 'fan' of Chandrashekhar Azad ‘Ravan’ of Bhim Army, tears Ayodhya Ram Mandir poster
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India 
15 January, 2024
Case Summary
On Friday (19th January), a man named Gopal Argal alias Gopal Ravan was arrested in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, for tearing a poster with an image of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. He also posted a video of his outrageous actions on social media. The poster seen in the video is a photo of Ram Mandir distributed by Vishwa Hindu Parishad members as a part of their “Akshat Nimantran” drive across the country. A video of accused Gopal Ravan reading a poster of Lord Ram while using abusive language also went viral online. Upon learning about the derogatory video, the Hindu Sena, and numerous other Hindu organisations reached the police station. Subsequently, Chhotu Kushwaha of the Hindu Sena filed a complaint, based on which the police arrested the accused. As per his Instagram profile, the accused is a fan of Chandrashekhar Azad ‘Ravan’ of Bhim Army.
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
Sources 
