Devotees say their ‘religious sentiments’ were hurt

An Indian comedian has been arrested after mocking a spiritual guru on TV.

Kiku Sharda will spend the next 14 days behind bars after impersonating 'Saint' Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Followers of the sect leader complained that the impersonation hurt their 'religious sentiments'.

The 40-year-old comedian was arrested in a Mumbai TV study late last night, and is being held on remand. He has apologised, saying he was 'really very, very sorry' and he 'did not want to hurt anyone's sentiments'.

A spokesperson from The Guru ashram told the CNN-IBN news channel that 'You cannot commit a crime and apologise. The law has no such provision.'

However, The Guru himself tweeted: 'Devotees are hurt due to Kiku's action. If he has apologized, no complaint from my side.'

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh heads the Dera Sacha Sauda sect and cultivates a rock star image. He is known as the 'guru in bling', and has released pop songs and two Hollywood style-movies that show him flying, defeating an entire army single-handed and flooring a charging bull with his bicep.

But he is no stranger to controversy, with police investigating claims he forced 400 followers to undergo castrations so that they could get 'closer to God'

Published: 13 Jan 2016