Munish Sood
MANDI:
An FIR has been registered by the Kullu police against a local social worker, Aman Sood Sodha, for allegedly posting content on social media in support of Rahul Thakur and the Dev Society following the recent confrontation between the Tehsildar of Kullu and devotees of Deity Bhrigu Rishi during the Kullu Dussehra festival.
According to a notice from police post Jari, the FIR (No. 98/2025 dated October 11, 2025) has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — 192, 196(1), 197(C), 302, 352, and 353 — alleging that Aman Sood spread “hatred speeches through social media on the grounds of religion, caste, race and place” and that such statements “could cause resentment among different groups of society”. The police have also directed him to hand over his mobile device for investigation.
Reacting to the action, Aman Sood said, “Standing with truth and tradition is now being treated as a crime. Supporting Rahul Thakur and the Dev Society has cost me an FIR. But I will continue to stand with our faith and values — no FIR or false case can frighten the sons of Devbhoomi.”
He added that the issue was not about an individual, but about faith, cultural dignity and the ancient Dev tradition of Kullu Valley. “If standing by the truth is a crime, I will commit it again and again,” he said defiantly.
Clash between Tehsildar, deity’s representatives
The controversy erupted during the International Kullu Dussehra festival when Tehsildar Hari Singh Yadav allegedly entered the temporary camp (deval) of Deity Bhrigu Rishi wearing shoes, something considered deeply disrespectful in local Dev tradition.
Witnesses claim that Rahul Thakur, a young devotee, politely asked the Tehsildar to remove his shoes before entering. A heated argument soon followed as the devotees accused the official of misbehaving and threatening that “the deity would not be invited to the Dussehra festival again”.
Following this, an uproar spread among the local Dev Society and “Dev Vichar” (divine consultation) was held at the deity’s camp. Under the traditional process, the Tehsildar was asked to apologise before the deity. Later, he reportedly bowed before the deity and offered an apology, which temporarily calmed the situation.
Despite the apology, tensions did not subside. The Tehsildar lodged an FIR against a group of devotees, including Rahul Thakur, accusing them of manhandling and obstructing a public servant during duty.
In response, the Dev Society filed a counter-complaint alleging that the Tehsildar had insulted their faith and traditions.
The Kullu Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that mobile evidence and video footage from the site and social media are being examined. One person, reportedly Rahul Thakur, has already been detained in connection with the scuffle.
