Junagadh youth attempts suicide after threats over social-media post calling anti-sadhu videos false

A 27-year-old man from Junagadh taluka allegedly attempted suicide after receiving threats over a social media post in which he claimed that videos uploaded against Hindu sadhus were false. Police have registered an offence against one Kirti Patel and four others and initiated an investigation.

Abzal Kara Sida, a YouTuber from Galiyawad village, alleged in his complaint that associates of Kirti Patel threatened him with abduction, a false rape case and extortion after he posted a video opposing content she had uploaded against sadhus and Sanatan Dharma.

According to police, the case was first registered as a zero FIR at Jetpur police station and later transferred to Junagadh taluka police station, as the incident falls under its jurisdiction.

Alleged threats and extortion demand

In his complaint, Sida stated that after he uploaded the video on Instagram, Divya Savalani, Jaspalsinh, Hanu Rana Chavda of Surat, and Viram Chotha Mewada contacted him at Patel’s behest.

They allegedly told him: “You are making sants’ (sadhus’)  videos viral and trying to defame Kirti Patel. Remove such videos from your account and stay out of this matter, or you will face consequences. Do not make new videos. Because of your videos, our viewership has dropped. You must pay ₹20 lakh to Kirti Patel, or be prepared to go to jail.”

Sida further alleged that Divya Savalani threatened to implicate him in a false rape case. He claimed that WhatsApp calls were made from the phones of Jaspalsinh and Divya, warning that they would come to his house and frame him in a false case if he did not comply.

Police have registered an offence under sections related to criminal intimidation and extortion. Further investigation is under way.

Alleged suicide attempt and hospitalisation

Frightened by the alleged threats, Sida reportedly consumed phenyl in his bathroom at home. After vomiting, he left the house and again consumed phenyl near the Navagadh Bhadar bridge close to Jetpur, even recording a video of the act, the complaint states.

A woman reportedly intervened and arranged for him to be taken to a hospital in Jetpur through 108 ambulance services.

Police said the matter is being investigated following the transfer of the zero FIR to Junagadh taluka police.

Counter-claim by accused

Meanwhile, Divya Savalani has uploaded a video on social media claiming that the complaint against her is false. She stated that she too consumed medication and was admitted for treatment.

Police have not commented on her claims. No arrests had been reported at the time of filing this report.

Background: Mrigikund bathing controversy

The dispute is linked to a controversy that erupted during the Maha Shivratri fair in Junagadh.

Kirti Patel had earlier faced two complaints for allegedly uploading videos against the sadhus after participating in a ceremonial dip at Mrigikund pond at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, dressed in saffron robes, during the fair. A woman police inspector was also reported to have taken a dip in civil dress, further fuelling the dispute.

Traditionally, only ascetics (sanyasis) are permitted to perform the 'Shahi Snan' (royal bath) at Mrigikund on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. However, sadhus have alleged that in recent years, non-ascetics have increasingly taken part in the ritual, leading to objections over alleged violations of long-standing customs.

The dispute, which began during the Maha Shivratri fair, continues to escalate, with multiple complaints now filed and investigations ongoing.