After Delhi University professor Ratan Lal posted a controversial commentary about the ‘shivling’ that was found at Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, social media was once abuzz with outrage and a case has been filed against him.
Now, the professor, who teaches history at Hindu College, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking for a gun license for his safety. He said he received threats online.
Amid the Gyanvapi mosque row, it was claimed two days in the past that a ‘shivling’ had been located in the disputed complex.
With a image of the ‘shivling’, Ratan Lal wrote on Facebook in Hindi, “If this is shivling, it appears that perhaps Shiva ji used to be also circumcised.”
Speaking exclusively to India Today, Ratan Lal said, “The ‘shivling’ doesn’t look damaged – it looks cut. What did I say? If Muslims came to the country and converted people, what’s the first factor they must’ve done? In Islam, the first thing is circumcision.”
“Religious leaders are also announcing the shivling has been damaged, I’m pronouncing the same thing. It’s my opinion. I have studied history. Is this a dictatorship that you won’t let me say what I think? There’s no documented proof of when the mosque was built. The agenda is being set for 2024 polls… If you favor to argue, make a discussion board and name a historian,” he added.
Following the outrage on social media, the Delhi Police registered a case in opposition to Ratan Lal. The case was lodged on the foundation of a complaint filed via Supreme Court legal professional Vineet Jindal towards Ratan Lal for hurting religious sentiments of Hindus.
