Uttar Pradesh: Folk singer held for alleged derogatory video on Durga

Guwahati: Folk singer Saroj Sargam was apprehended along with her husband for allegedly “uploading a song containing derogatory remarks against Goddess Durga on her YouTube channel, a police official said on Wednesday.”

Sargam, hailing from Garhwa village in Mirzapur district, posted the video on September 19. Its contents triggered outrage among the Hindu community.

Sub-Inspector Santosh Kumar Rai of Madihan police station filed a complaint, based on which a case was registered.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Somen Barma said a surveillance and cyber team was roped in for the investigation.

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"Acting on the viral video, an FIR was registered on September 19. During investigation, evidence confirmed the involvement of Saroj Sargam and her husband. Both were arrested," he said in a video statement.

Sargam was arrested on Tuesday with her husband Ram Milan Bind, who produced and directed the video.

SSP Barma added that "Sargam had encroached upon 15 bighas of forest land, which was later freed during a joint operation by the forest and police departments. Necessary legal action is being initiated in this regard as well," NDTV reports.

The controversial video had invited criticism from religious leaders. Juna Akhara saint and Badrinath temple mahant Yoganand Giri had demanded immediate arrest of the singer, warning that saints of the akhara would take to the streets if no action was taken.

Police said Sargam's YouTube channel has over 60,000 subscribers with nearly 35-40 videos uploaded.