In a recent controversy, popular Tamil director Mohan ji was arrested after making explosive statements regarding the prasad at the Palani temple in Tamil Nadu. His arrest came after he claimed during a YouTube interview that a drug causing impotence in men had been mixed in the temple’s Panchamritam (a traditional offering). These claims were made amidst ongoing debates about the use of animal fat in the prasad at Tirupati Balaji temple.
Mohan ji, known for his films like Draupadi and Rudra Thandavam, was discussing the Tirupati controversy when he diverted to speak about alleged incidents at other temples. He referred specifically to the Palani temple, where he claimed to have heard about the use of a medicine that would impact men’s reproductive health. His comments have triggered public anger, leading to legal action.
What Did Mohan Ji Say?
While speaking on a YouTube channel, Mohan ji mentioned that there had been rumors about a drug being mixed in the Panchamritam at the Palani temple. According to him, the matter was never clarified properly, and temple staff had allegedly revealed that such incidents occurred, framing it as an attack on Hindu devotees.
Mohan Ji, however, did acknowledge during the interview that there was no concrete proof to support these allegations. Still, his remarks were seen as inflammatory, drawing widespread criticism.
Government’s Response and Arrest
The statement by Mohan ji led to an immediate reaction from the Tamil Nadu government. Shekhar Babu, the state’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister, called the claims baseless. He emphasized that the government would take strict action against anyone attempting to tarnish the reputation of revered temples.
Terming the remarks as an attempt to mislead the public and harm the temple’s image, Minister Shekhar Babu vowed not to tolerate such allegations. Following his statement, the Cyber Crime Cell of Trichy Police arrested Mohan Ji on charges of spreading false information and hurting religious sentiments.
Political Reactions: Support and Criticism
The arrest of Mohan ji has led to political backlash, with some criticizing the government’s actions. BJP leader Aswathaman condemned the arrest, calling it unconstitutional. He alleged that the filmmaker’s family was not informed of the arrest, which, he claimed, violated Supreme Court guidelines. Aswathaman suggested that Mohan ji’s arrest was politically motivated and part of a larger agenda to suppress freedom of speech.
However, many others supported the legal action, stating that making such claims without evidence could lead to communal tension and damage the reputation of important religious sites. They argued that religious sentiments should be respected and that spreading unfounded rumors could have serious repercussions.
Ongoing Tirupati Laddu Controversy and Actor’s Debate
This incident comes at a time when another controversy has erupted regarding the use of animal fat in the laddus (prasad) at the Tirupati Balaji temple. Two prominent actors from the South, Pawan Kalyan and Prakash Raj, have also locked horns over this issue.
Pawan Kalyan expressed his disappointment over the allegations surrounding the Tirupati temple prasad. He proposed the formation of a “Sanatan Dharma Raksha Board” at the national level to monitor and safeguard temple practices across India.
Prakash Raj responded sharply to Pawan Kalyan’s comments, pointing out that these incidents happened in a state where Kalyan holds an official position, and urged him to investigate the matter before making statements. The two actors have since been exchanging barbs, with both taking strong stands on the issue.
