Meghalaya: Influencer Akash Sagar sparks controversy with video disrespecting religious sentiments

Correspondent

SHILLONG: A social media influencer, identified as Akash Sagar, has sparked outrage after posting a video on Instagram in which he chants “Jai Shree Ram” inside the Epiphany Church in Mawlynnong, Meghalaya. The video, which has been widely condemned for disrespecting Christian sentiments, has amassed over 939,000 views and drawn sharp criticism online and offline.

Social activist Angela Rangad from Shillong has filed an FIR against Sagar, describing the act as a deliberate attempt to provoke communal disharmony. “This act was deliberately done to create communal disharmony, insulting the minority culture, and to establish a majoritarian culture of hate in violation of all constitutional rights of religious freedom,” Rangad stated in her complaint lodged at the Laitumkhrah Police Station.

Christian groups and concerned citizens in Meghalaya have also called for immediate action to prevent such incidents from recurring.

The BJP Meghalaya unit has strongly condemned the act, emphasizing the need to uphold religious harmony in the state. Mariahom Kharkrang, Chief Spokesperson of BJP Meghalaya Pradesh, stated, “Such cheap publicity stunts, aimed at furthering one’s personal agendas, hurt the sensitivities of every right-thinking citizen across faiths and can act as a catalyst for inter-religious friction. This must be avoided at all costs, especially in a state that prides itself on religious harmony.”

Kharkrang further highlighted the party’s commitment to secularism and national unity, noting the Prime Minister’s participation in Christian celebrations as a testament to fostering interfaith respect. “Any act that vitiates peaceful coexistence deserves condemnation, and preventive measures must be taken to ensure such deeds face appropriate legal consequences,” he added.

The incident has prompted widespread calls for strict legal action, with many urging authorities to address the misuse of social media platforms for spreading provocative content.

Also Read: Fish and pork market near temple-namghar hurt religious sentiments, says NHRC-CB

Also Watch: