Varun Bahar, Who Sang 'Jo Na Bole Jai Shri Ram Usko Bhejo Kabrastan', Arrested in UP's Gonda District

Lucknow, July 26: Faced with several complaints of fueling communal hatred and religious enmity, Bhojpuri singer Varun Upadhyaya alias Varun Bahar was arrested by the UP police on Friday. He was taken into custody from Uttar Pradesh's Gonda district. Reports citing police officials claim that he was apprehended at 3am in the night from Bandarah village in Mankapur region of Gonda district.

Bahar was expected to be produced before a magisterial court later today. FIRs have been registered against him in various parts of the nation. Song by Varun Bahar Inciting Mob Lynching On YouTube Angers Many, Lyrics Say 'Jo Na Bole Jai Shri Ram, Bhej Do Usko Kabristan'

Bahar had drawn the wrath of social media users after he uploaded a song on YouTube last week, which allegedly provoked violence against those who are opposed to the forceful chanting of "Jai Shri Ram".

"Jo Na Bole Jai Shri Ram Usko Bhejo Kabrastan", said the lyrics of his three-minute song, which roughly translates as those who do not chant in the name of Lord Ram should be sent to the cemetery.

The provocative song comes in the backdrop of instances being reported where members of the minority community were either lynched or beaten up for not chanting the Hindu religious slogan.

A letter was written to the Prime Minister by 49 members of public life, belonging to various realms including arts, literature, health and cinema, calling for an end to the cycle of religious violence.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court of India directed the Centre as well as state governments to rigorously implement the 2018 verdict issued by the apex court, which called for a law against mob violence.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2019 02:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).