Social media users strongly object to the Hindutva outfit’s support for the robbery accused in Dehradun
NEW DELHI — Bajrang Dal workers protesting outside the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) office in Dehradun have drawn social media criticism after they recited the Hanuman Chalisa in support of a robbery accused.
The protesters gathered outside the SSP office on Saturday to oppose the arrest of Siddhant Badoni in a ₹14 lakh robbery case and express solidarity with him. They also alleged police misconduct and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.
Badoni is among seven people arrested by Dehradun Police in connection with the alleged robbery from a property dealer.
According to the details of the case, the robbery was allegedly carried out in a carefully planned operation in the middle of the road. A scooter reportedly collided with a car, creating confusion, while other gang members were positioned nearby. Taking advantage of the commotion, the accused allegedly removed a bag containing ₹14 lakh from the car and fled.
CCTV footage of the incident has also surfaced, reportedly capturing the sequence of events.
While several media reports have identified Badoni as a Bajrang Dal leader, the police have reportedly denied that he holds an official position in the organisation.
The protesters, meanwhile, have accused Patel Nagar SHO Naresh Rathore of misconduct, demanding an investigation into his alleged actions.
However, the decision to publicly rally behind a person accused in a robbery case, using a religious recitation as part of the protest, has drawn sharp reactions from social media users.
Netizens are questioning why religious symbols are being invoked in support of a person accused in a robbery case.
One user on X questioned the use of the Hanuman Chalisa to protest Badoni’s arrest, writing, “Now even the Hanuman Chalisa is being recited to defend criminals! Defending criminals under the guise of religion—this is their true character!”
Another user questioned whether religious gatherings were being used to influence the course of law, writing, “Invoking religion to defend someone accused of a crime—how long will faith be used for political ends?
Adding further, the user wrote, “Will the police investigate the allegations, or will religious gatherings dictate how the law is applied? Attempts to use religion as a shield to evade questions of law must stop. The law is equal for everyone!”
Meanwhile, another user questioned the apparent contradiction between the police denying Badoni’s organisational affiliation and Bajrang Dal workers publicly protesting in his support.
The user wrote, “Look at the sorry state of the police in the BJP-ruled state. The police are holding a press conference to say that the bandits who looted 1.4 million are not from Bajrang Dal. Anyone who spreads this misconception will face strict action on charges of defaming Bajrang Dal! Meanwhile, Bajrang Dal members are staging a sit-in outside the police station itself to get their comrades released!”
