Junagadh: Social media personality Kirti Patel’s legal troubles have intensified in the sacred Bhavnath area after she allegedly violated religious restrictions during the Mahashivratri celebrations.

The incident occurred on the final day of the Mahashivratri fair at the foothills of Girnar, when Patel reportedly took a dip in the holy Mrigikund while dressed in saffron attire. Traditionally, only saints and akharas are permitted to perform the ceremonial royal bath in the tank, and the act triggered anger among devotees and members of the saint community.

Two complaints registered

So far, two separate complaints have been lodged against Patel at Bhavnath Police Station:

1. Clash with police personnel: On February 17, when Patel allegedly attempted to enter Mrigikund for a bath, Woman Police Inspector K.J. Mode tried to stop her. Police claim Patel misbehaved and obstructed the officer from performing official duty, leading to the first complaint.

2. Hurting religious sentiments: The second complaint was filed by Mahant Bajrangdas Bapu of Nirali Khodiyar Ashram in Prabhas Patan. He accused Patel of breaking age-old religious traditions for publicity and disrespecting the saint community by wearing saffron clothes, a symbol associated with Sanatan Dharma.

Viral video fuels anger

Amid the police probe, a video showing Patel with Naga sadhus inside an old akhara has gone viral on social media. She is seen chanting “Om Namo Narayan” and “Har Har Mahadev,” further intensifying anger among saints, who claim the act mocks sacred traditions.

Police teams have been formed to trace and arrest Patel. Her mobile location and social media activity are under technical surveillance, and CCTV footage from the fairground and the Mrigikund area has been collected as evidence.

Public reaction

The incident has sparked widespread discussion across Gujarat, with locals and visiting devotees demanding strict action against the alleged misuse of religious places for publicity. DeshGujarat