Complaint filed against Vishal Dadlani for mocking Jain leader

Singer-composer Vishal Dadlani has come under fire for his comment on Jain religious leader Tarun Sagar, who he mocked for making a speech in Haryana Assembly, naked.

The religious leader is a saint of Digambar sect of Jainism, who don’t wear any clothing on their body as a part of religious practice. Dadlani’s tweet about the leader stirred a controversy on Saturday, following which he announced his decision to quit politics and all affiliated work.

It all started when Dadlani sent the following tweet:

Here’s the monk addressing the Haryana assembly. Sure that’s inoffensive to all. I apologise if I hurt anyone. pic.twitter.com/0dYsEflQx5

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 27, 2016

Soon after, Twitterati pulled up the singer for hurting the religious sentiments of Jains. Realising his folly, the composer immediately offered an apology to everyone who was offended by his tweet and requested people not to mix religion with politics.

Bhool ho gayee. Maaf kar deejiye. Magar dharm ko rajniti ke saath judne mat deejiye. Desh ki khaatir. https://t.co/KDr8MIkQEj

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 27, 2016

Later, Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party Chief, Arvind Kejriwal also joined the conversation and praised the Jain monk’s preaching, claiming his family has a huge respect for the guru. Dadlani is associated with Kejriwal’s party.

Kejriwal tweeted, “I met Shri Tarun Sagar ji Maharaj last year. Our family regularly listens to his discourses on TV. We deeply respect him and his thoughts.”

“Tarun Sagar ji Maharaj is a very revered saint, not just for Jains but everyone. Those showing disrespect is unfortunate and shud stop,” he added in another tweet.

In response, the Beliya signer told Kejriwal, “I’m sorry to have offended you and your beliefs too, Sir. My intent was not to hurt anyone. Spoke without thinking”

Subsequently, Dadlani announced his decision to quit politics and offered another apology to his friend’s who he had offended.

It feel bad that I hurt my Jain friends & my friends @ArvindKejriwal & @SatyendarJain .I hereby quit all active political work/affiliation.

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 27, 2016

But the singer’s apology wasn’t enough to appease everyone. A user on Twitter claimed that he had filed an online complaint against Dadlani and Congress leader Tehseen Poonawalla and was in the process of filing an FIR.