Activist dressed as Lord Shiva in street play on price rise arrested; released after Assam CM's intervention

However, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma intervened in the matter, saying that dressing up could not be considered a crime unless offensive remarks were made.

The Assam Chief Minister also said that appropriate order has been issued to Nagaon police.

Taking to Twitter, he wrote – “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.”

According to the reports, an activist named Birinchi Bora was arrested for allegedly hurting religious sentiments during a street play.

Bora, dressed as Lord Shiva, rode a bike with a woman, who dressed as Goddess Parvati, rode a pillion.

As part of the play, the actors reached College Chowk, where their vehicle ran out of petrol.

They started arguing over the rising prices of fuel, food items, and other commodities.

In the play, Bora took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the government was working only in the interest of the capitalists and was not concerned about the issues of the common people. He then urged the curious onlookers to take to the streets and protest the rising inflation.

Nagaon district police on Saturday arrested Birinchi Bora under bailable sections on two complaints lodged by Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal.

The activist was granted bail and released on Sunday following the chief minister's intervention.