Bicholim, Goa – A complaint has been filed at Bicholim and Mormugao police stations against Chelsea Rodrigues, a Christian man, for insulting the Dhonds (devoted participants in a sacred ritual) of Shri Lairai Devi on social media.
According to the complaint filed by Hindu groups, Rodrigues referred to the ritual, where Dhonds circumambulate the sacred fire while chanting, as a “monkey dance”, which has been termed highly offensive and hurtful to the religious sentiments of Hindus.
The complaint states that the act was deliberate and driven by hostility, and could potentially disturb social harmony. It further requests action against Rodrigues under Sections 295A, 153A, and 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code, as well as Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, for publishing objectionable content.
Chelsea Rodrigues had shared an image of the ritual on social media and captioned it with the words “Stop this monkey dance”, referring to the traditional practice of devotees performing pradakshina around the sacred fire.
Complaint also filed in Mormugao
On the same issue, Hindu groups from Mormugao taluka also submitted a complaint at the Mormugao police station.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Gurudas Kadam accepted the complaint and heard the concerns raised by the group. A large number of Hindus were present during the submission.