4 arrested for alleged insult to Jain monks

Mumbai: At a time when Michhami Dukkhadam – a phrase used by the Jain community while seeking forgiveness – has been trending on social media platforms, the former and present trustees of a Jain temple located on 90 feet road in Bhayandar almost came to blows Sunday night. Four persons were arrested, said the police while trying to tone down the matter as precaution against communal ramifications.

A volley of abuses hurled at the Jain monks in the midst of their discourse by some supporters of the former trustees is said to be the reason which triggered the late night brawl between the two factions.

Tension prevailed in the region after a large number of people led by local legislator Narendra Mehta, gathered outside the police station to register their protest and demand action against those who had insulted the highly revered saints.

While nine people have been booked under relevant sections of the IPC, the Bhayandar police has managed to arrest four of them.

The dispute between the present and former trustees is already pending before the charity commissioner, the police said.