Controversy erupts at Jabalpur religious event:Women demand action after alleged misbehaviour; Katha narrator Uttam Swami previously accused of rape

A controversy broke out on February 15, the last day of a Shrimad Bhagwat Katha held in Hirapur Beka village near Jabalpur. People have alleged that workers of Katha narrator Uttam Swami misbehaved with women and threw water from the stage during the event. The issue came to light after a video of the incident went viral. It is also being pointed out that Uttam Swami is already facing rape allegations. The religious programme was organised in the village from February 9 to 15. On the final day, during the closing ceremony, the crowd near the stage suddenly increased. In the viral video, some people are seen pushing women, while water is being thrown from the stage. Women demand action After the incident, anger was observed among the local people. Some women have objected to the behavior near the stage and demanded action. The video is rapidly going viral on social media, escalating the matter further. Sarpanch said – did this to control the crowd Village Sarpanch Saurabh Patel, clarifying the entire incident, said that during the Katha, the crowd of children and people near the stage suddenly increased. Keeping security in mind, this was done to try and move people back. He says that if the crowd had not been controlled, a major accident could have happened. Currently, after receiving a complaint, the police are said to be investigating the matter. The administration is gathering information about the entire incident and further action is expected after the investigation. Rajasthan girl has filed a rape case A girl from Rajasthan has accused Mahamandaleshwar and storyteller Uttam Swami of Shri Panch Agni Akhara of rape. The girl also sent an e-mail to the Delhi Police Commissioner on February 12, demanding security. The victim says that as soon as she got wind of the FIR being registered, she started receiving threats. Uttam Swami is trying to make contact directly and indirectly. His close associates are pressuring her for a compromise. The young woman wrote in the e-mail that very personal information about her and her family is being kept. She fears that she might be harmed. Victim said – sexual exploitation for many years under the guise of religion The young woman has alleged that Uttam Swami had been sexually exploiting her for many years. When she was a minor, wrongdoings were committed against her under the guise of religion. When she protested, she was intimidated and threatened. Due to Uttam Swami’s influence, she could not complain for a long time. The victim has also said that she has evidence related to the allegations and wants to seek legal help. She has expressed apprehension that due to the influence of the accused, evidence might be tampered with.