The Hindutva group burned effigy of Bollywood actor in Araria district of Bihar and levelled allegations over his personal life
ARARIA — A protest by members of the Bajrang Dal in Bihar’s Araria district has sparked fresh controversy as they burned an effigy of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and alleged “love jihad” in connection with reports about his relationship with Gauri Spratt.
The demonstration took place in the Forbesganj area, where protesters gathered, raised slogans against the actor and burned his effigy. The protest followed recent media reports and social media discussions about Khan’s personal relationship.
According to local reports, Bajrang Dal workers wearing saffron scarves participated in the protest and accused Khan of repeatedly marrying women from non-Muslim backgrounds.
Following the demonstration, Bajrang Dal leader Manoj Soni released a video statement outlining the organisation’s objections.
“He is repeatedly marrying Hindu daughters and sisters, and this is an insult to Hindu society. Where are the laws, the legal system and the courts?” Soni said.
He further alleged, without publicly providing evidence, that such relationships were part of a wider conspiracy.
Soni also questioned the names of Khan’s children and asked why, according to him, Muslim men often chose non-Muslim partners.
“Why does he always find love among Hindu women? Why not within his own community?” he said.
The Bajrang Dal leader demanded government intervention and warned that further protests could be organised if the group’s concerns were not addressed.
A woman leader participating in the demonstration also criticised the actor’s personal choices.
“If he were a true Muslim, he would marry Muslim women,” she said during the protest.
The remarks have drawn criticism from social media users and civil rights advocates, who argue that marriage and personal relationships are private matters and that consenting adults have a constitutional right to choose their partners regardless of religion, caste or community.
Legal experts note that Indian law permits consenting adults to marry under personal laws as well as the Special Marriage Act. They say objections based solely on religion raise concerns about individual liberty and privacy.
The term “love jihad” remains highly controversial in India. Several Hindu nationalist groups use it to allege organised efforts to convert non-Muslim women through marriage, while critics say the claim is frequently made without evidence and can contribute to communal tensions.
Political observers say the latest protest reflects continuing divisions over interfaith relationships, an issue that regularly becomes the focus of public and political debate.
Aamir Khan has not publicly responded to the protest in Bihar. Neither Khan nor Gauri Spratt had commented on the allegations made by the protesters at the time of publication.
Gauri Spratt, who comes from an Anglo-Indian family, is reported to have Tamil-British, Punjabi and Irish ancestry. She has largely remained out of the public spotlight and away from political controversies.
No legal action against Khan has been announced in connection with the allegations raised during the protest. However, the incident has renewed debate over interfaith relationships, personal liberty and the extent of public intervention in private lives.
