Assam: Man arrested for playing Lord Shiva in Nukkad Natak, CM Himanta Sarma says “Dressing up is not a crime”

The man who dressed up as Lord Shiva in Nukkad Natak in Assam's Nagaon was arrested for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

"An accused who dressed up as Lord Shiva was arrested, and will be presented in court. 2 others, suspected to be involved are yet to be nabbed," said Manoj Rajvanshi, Sadar PS Incharge.

The nukkad natak was apparently performed to protest the price rise and inflation. 

BJP had lodged an FIR against the man. BJP worker Raja Pareek said, “They dressed up as Lord Shiv and Goddess Parvati. If you want to protest, sit and do it. We don't support their act of dressing up as deities.”

They dressed up as Lord Shiv & Goddess Parvati. If you want to protest, sit & do it. We don't support their act of dressing up as deities. BJP lodged FIR: Raja Pareek, a BJP worker

The arrested man, through his street play, was protesting against rising fuel price & unemployment pic.twitter.com/rvxHaINyWE

— ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2022

When a twitter user highlighted this matter to chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, he intervened and tweeted that he agreed that Nukad Natak on current issues is not blasphemous. Dressing up is not a crime unless offensive material is said.

He added that appropriate order has been issued to Nagaon Police.

I agree with you @NavroopSingh_ that
Nukad Natak on current issues is not blasphemous. Dressing up is not a crime unless offensive material is said.
Appropriate order has been issued to @nagaonpolice https://t.co/Fivh7KMX5L

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 10, 2022

After CM’s intervention, the accused has been granted bail. (Inputs from ANI)