Former state unit leader of VHP R B V S Maniyan.
Credit: X/dvkperiyar
A former state-level functionary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) was on Thursday arrested for his alleged derogatory remarks against India’s first Law Minister and architect of the Constitution, B R Ambedkar, and revered saint-poet Thiruvalluvar.
R B V S Manian, who served as vice-president of VHP’s Tamil Nadu unit, was booked under Sections 153 (promoting enmity between groups) and 505 (inciting violence) of the Indian Penal Code. The Chennai Police also slapped charges under Section 3 and relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against Manian.
Manian, who is known for his spiritual discourse, made the remarks at an event earlier this week where he is alleged to have spoken against Ambedkar and Thiruvalluvar. In a video that has gone viral, Manian says Ambedkar was not the only one who drafted the Constitution and that he was part of the process which was led by Dr Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President.
"Some lunatics say Ambedkar gave us the Constitution. They seem to have pawned their intelligence. I think all parties have pawned their intelligence, because they feel people will stop voting for them if they say Ambedkar is not from their caste," he said, and called Thiruvalluvar as a “fictional character.”
The police action came on a complaint filed by Selvam, a functionary of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK).