The speaker was arrested after returning from Australia.
The controversial statement by a spiritual speaker at a government school in Chennai that disabilities and deformities are the result of misdeeds in past lives has led to controversy and his arrest by the police.
'Maha Vishnu', the founder of NGO Paramporul Foundation, had made the remark at a government school where he was recently invited to deliver a motivational speech. A video also shows him arguing with a disabled teacher who objected to his remark on disabilities.
The spiritual speaker was arrested on Saturday upon arrival from Australia.
After the video, whose authenticity DailyExpertNews has not verified, went viral, several disability rights groups filed a complaint with the police against Maha Vishnu, demanding strict action.
The Tamil Nadu government has ordered an inquiry and the principals of two government schools where Maha Vishnu spoke have been transferred.
State Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamoyzhi said a school should be a place where scientific temperament is nurtured, not superstition. “We will take strict measures after receiving reports from local authorities on how this happened.”
To a specific question about the speaker's misconduct with the teacher, Mr. Poyyamoyzhi said that action would be taken against Maha Vishnu.
On Friday, Maha Vishnu said he was not hiding and had done nothing wrong. He also said he would respond to all allegations at Chennai airport once he returned from Australia.
After the city police detained Maha Vishnu for investigation, a member of his team apologized on his behalf and said the speaker had never intended to hurt the sentiments of the disabled.
