The Bhim Army has demanded that the practice of burning Ravan's effigies on Dussehra be stopped as it hurts the feelings of many tribal groups. According to reports, the Pune unit of the Bhim Army in Pune submitted a letter to the Pune police. In the letter, the Bhim Army has called Ravan "a symbol of humanitarian culture" adding that Ravan is not a demon but an idol for many Adivasi (tribal) and Bahujan groups.

The letter states that Ravan should not be burnt in the name of demon. The Bhim Army group also warned that if their demands are not met and Ravan effigies continue to be burned, they will not be responsible for any disturbance in law and order situation. The group has even demanded that burning of Ravan's effigies be considered an offence under The Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which invites jail term and penalty.

In the year 2017, the Supreme Court had dismissed a petition asking for a ban on burning of Ravan effigies. The petition was filed by one Anand Prakash Sharma, and stated that burning the Ravan effigies hurt feelings of certain sections in the society. In September, the Uttar Pradesh government had ordered an early release from jail of Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar 'Ravan' who was jailed under National Security Act (NSA) charges in connection with 2017 Saharanpur caste violence case.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 16, 2018 12:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).