Pune: A professor and five students associated with the Lalit Kala Kendra, a performing arts center affiliated with Pune University, have been arrested for allegedly offending religious sentiments by mocking Lord Ram and Goddess Sita in a play based on 'Ramleela.' Dr. Pravin Bhole, the professor, and the students were accused of using abusive dialogues and scenes that portrayed Lord Ram and Goddess Sita in an objectionable manner. The play, presented by the Fine Arts Center of Savitribai Phule Pune University, sparked controversy as it depicted a male artist playing the role of Sita smoking a cigarette and using offensive language.

Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and students from Lalit Kala Kendra strongly objected to the offensive portrayal and lodged a complaint. ABVP functionary Harshvardhan Harpude filed a complaint, leading to the registration of a case under section 295(A) of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with deliberately outraging religious feelings. The arrested individuals include Dr. Pravin Bhole and students Bhavesh Patil, Jay Pednekar, Prathamesh Sawant, Rishikesh Dalvi, and Yash Chikhle. According to the FIR, when ABVP members raised objections and halted the play, the artists allegedly responded by heckling and assaulting them.

This incident has raised concerns about the boundaries of artistic expression and religious sentiments, sparking a debate on the portrayal of revered figures in the context of artistic freedom and cultural sensitivity.

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