A spiritual orator's controversial statement at a government school in Chennai that disabilities and deformities are the result of misdeeds committed in past lives has sparked a controversy and led to him being arrested by the police.
'Maha Vishnu', the founder of NGO Paramporul Foundation, had made the comment at a government school, where he was invited to deliver a motivational speech recently. A video NDTV couldn't verify independently also shows him arguing with a specially abled teacher who objected to his remark on disabilities.
The spiritual orator was detained on Saturday upon his arrival from Australia.
After the video went viral, several groups working for the specially abled filed police complaints against Maha Vishnu and demanded strict action. The police today invoked the Rights of People with Disabilities Act and got him remanded to judicial custody.
The Tamil Nadu government ordered an inquiry and the principals of two government schools where Maha Vishnu had spoken have been transferred.
State Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamoyzhi said a school ought to be a place where scientific temper is nurtured, not superstition. "We will take strict action after we get reports from the local authorities on how this happened".
To a specific question on the orator misbehaving with the teacher, Mr Poyyamoyzhi said action would be taken against Maha Vishnu.
On Friday, Maha Vishnu had said he was not hiding and had done no wrong, adding that he would respond to all allegations at the Chennai airport after he returned from Australia.
After the city police detained Maha Vishnu for investigation, a member of his team apologised on his behalf and said the orator could never intend to hurt the sentiments of the specially abled.
3 Spectators At Air Force's Chennai Airshow Die IPL 2025 Mega Auctions Will Not Be Hosted In India Or Dubai But In This Country With Cristiano Ronaldo Connection: Report Chennai's Best Cocktail Bars And Venues You Must Visit Egypt's Pyramids Built Using An Incredibly Clever Machine: Study 3 Spectators At Air Force's Chennai Airshow Die "Sit Quiet": Bhavish Aggarwal As Kunal Kamra Flags Ola EV Issue Hamas Calls October 7 Attack "Glorious" Ahead Of Anniversary Chinese Hackers Breached US Court Wiretap Systems: Report AAP Leaders File Complaint Against Vijender Gupta Over Assault On Marshal Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.