Objection over Sonam’s photo in Indore’s Dussehra effigy:Raja murder accused’s brother says, ‘Crime not yet proven’; community opposes use of ‘Raghuwanshi’ name

A major controversy has erupted in Indore over the burning of ‘Shurpanakha’s effigy’ on Dusshera (Vijayadashami). The effigy features 11 faces, one of which depicts Sonam Raghuwanshi, an accused in the Raja Raghuwanshi murder case. The inclusion of her face has drawn objections from her family and the Raghuwanshi community, who have termed the act inappropriate and damaging to social harmony. Family objects to effigy depiction Sonam’s brother, Govind Raghuwanshi, lodged a complaint with Indore Collector Shivam Verma on Wednesday, demanding that the event be stopped. He argued that Sonam’s case is still under trial in court and no conviction has been made so far. According to him, projecting her face in the effigy amounts to mental harassment and defamation, as it creates a negative public image. Govind added that the effigy burning is unlawful and unnecessarily damages his sister’s reputation. He highlighted that despite the ongoing case, Sonam is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Shift in brother’s stand Govind’s stance has shifted since the murder of Raja Raghuwanshi. Initially, he expressed sympathy toward Raja’s family and even apologised to Raja’s mother, assuring that he would support efforts to ensure justice. However, his position has since changed. Govind is now actively pursuing legal remedies for his sister and has moved the Shillong court seeking her bail. Community raises strong objection The Raghuwanshi community has also objected to the inclusion of Sonam’s name and image in the effigy. Dr. Umashankar Raghuwanshi, national president of the community, said that publicly associating the Raghuwanshi name with evil undermines the dignity of the community. He described the act as inappropriate and harmful to the reputation of the entire group. Community members argued that targeting individuals or communities during religious and cultural events could disturb social harmony. They urged the administration to intervene immediately and warned of widespread protests if their concerns were ignored. Organisers defend the event The effigy burning is being organised by a social organisation named Paurush. Responding to the allegations, its president, Ashok Dashora, clarified that the intention is not to insult any woman but to raise awareness against immorality, deception, and misconduct in society. According to him, Sonam’s face was used as a symbolic representation of such issues. He stressed that the event is a broader protest against negative mindsets and not directed at any individual or caste. The organisation also argued that those supporting the accused should reflect on the pain of families who have lost their loved ones due to deceit or exploitation. Dashora said society must speak out against selfish behavior and immoral relationships that destroy lives. Legal position and free speech The organisers cited legal grounds to defend the event. They referred to a recent Supreme Court ruling that removed defamation and contempt from the category of criminal offenses. Such cases are now treated as civil matters, meaning that no FIR can be filed on these grounds. Consequently, they argued that neither the police nor the administration has the authority to stop the event. Support from Raja Raghuwanshi’s family The family of Raja Raghuwanshi, the murder victim in the case linked to Sonam, has extended support to the organisers. Members of the family stated they would stand with the event and be physically present during the effigy burning. Religious context Acharya Pt. Ramchandra Sharma ‘Vedic,’ President of the Madhya Pradesh Astrology and Scholar Council, weighed in on the controversy. He clarified that there is no direct mention in religious texts about burning effigies of Ravana or Shurpanakha. However, over time, the practice has evolved as a symbolic tradition representing the defeat of social evils. He explained that just as Ravana symbolises arrogance and oppression, in today’s context, certain individuals represent selfishness, betrayal, and immorality. According to him, opposing such behavior in society through symbolic acts serves as a form of public awareness.