Headline: Former State President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad Arrested for Defaming Scheduled Castes by Dr. Ambedkar
Date: [Insert Date]
Chennai City Police has arrested R.P.V.S. Manian, the former state president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), for making defamatory statements against Scheduled Castes and Dr. Ambedkar. The arrest came after Manian delivered a controversial speech at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Chennai.
During his speech titled ‘Bharati and Vivekananda,’ Manian questioned the existence of Thiruvalluvar, a revered Tamil poet and philosopher. He also cast doubts on Thiruvalluvar’s authorship of the Thirukkural, a revered Tamil scripture. Manian stated that Thiruvalluvar was a mere fantasy and that there was no evidence to support his existence.
Furthermore, Manian criticized Christians and Muslims, stating that they were unfit to live in India unless they accepted the deity Rama. He also attacked Congress President Rahul Gandhi, claiming that he had no connection with the Congress as he identified as a Christian European.
These controversial statements made by Manian sparked outrage on social media, with many demanding his arrest. Liberation Tigers Party leader Thirumavalavan condemned Manian’s speech, alleging that it insulted the community. Selvam, a former district secretary of the party, filed a complaint at Mambalam police station, leading to Manian’s arrest.
Manian has been charged with multiple sections, including 153, 153(A), 505(1)(B), 505 (2), and Section 3 of the Prevention of Atrocities to Tribes/Oppressed Persons Act. He was produced before the Madras Principal Sessions Court, where he requested to be admitted to a private hospital for treatment due to health issues. The judge remanded him in judicial custody until September 27, considering his request.
R.B.V.S. Manian, whose full name is R. Balavenkata Subramanian, was a former state vice-president of VHP and the founder of Viveka Bharati. He had a deep interest in the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and actively promoted his ideals. Manian joined VHP in the 1980s and played a crucial role in collecting donations for the construction of the Vivekananda Memorial Hall in Kanyakumari.
The arrest of Manian has generated significant attention on social media platforms. People have been divided in their opinions, with some supporting his right to freedom of speech and others condemning his defamatory remarks towards Scheduled Castes and Dr. Ambedkar. The case will be closely monitored as it progresses through the judicial system.