Mirzapur: A sensational case has surfaced in Mirzapur district involving local Birha singer Saroj Sargam, who was arrested along with her husband, Rammilan Bind, and several associates for allegedly producing and spreading highly objectionable videos against Goddess Durga. The videos, which went viral during the auspicious period of Sharadiya Navratri, have sparked outrage among devotees and created tensions within society. The police have described the act as a deliberate attempt to provoke communal unrest and religious disharmony.
According to the press note released by Mirzapur Police, Saroj Sargam, once known primarily for her Birha singing performances, came under the scanner after uploading a song on social media mocking Goddess Durga. The video quickly spread across platforms, hurting Hindu sentiments and triggering anger among the public. On receiving complaints, the Madihan police acted swiftly, registering a case and initiating a detailed investigation.
Although the first objectionable song was removed on September 21, 2025, the matter escalated dramatically when Saroj Sargam posted another video. This time, she recorded herself hurling abusive and derogatory remarks against Goddess Durga and using unparliamentary language directed at Hindus as a community. This second video spread rapidly across Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, causing widespread resentment.
The police registered a fresh FIR in Kotwali City Police Station, Mirzapur, on September 23, 2025, and within hours, launched coordinated action to arrest the accused.
Late night between September 23 and 24, 2025, a joint team led by Inspector-in-Charge Neeraj Kumar Pathak of Kotwali City Police Station and supported by Madihan Police, Special Operations Group (SOG), and the Surveillance Cell, arrested Saroj Sargam and her husband from Prayagraj. Alongside them, four more accomplices from their Birha troupe were also taken into custody.
During interrogation, shocking revelations came to light. According to police officials, Rammilan Bind confessed that he and his wife had been running a Birha group for years. Over the last three years, however, their performances had increasingly catered to audiences belonging to the PDA (Backward, Dalit, Minority) community.
He further disclosed that the recent objectionable content was created at the behest of Rajveer Singh Yadav, a Sitapur-based activist and writer. Rajveer allegedly promised payment and assured the couple that no harm would come to them since his book, “Bahujan Nayak Mahishasur”, had already withstood legal scrutiny in the High Court and Supreme Court.
The police press note stated that all technical work — including creating the YouTube channel, uploading videos, and editing — was conducted in Prayagraj with the help of associates.
Investigators also revealed that both Saroj Sargam and Rammilan Bind had converted to Christianity nearly 10 months ago. Authorities are probing whether this conversion played a role in motivating the couple’s actions against Hindu deities.
Cyber Cell officials recovered several mobile phones containing crucial digital evidence, as well as objectionable literature from Rammilan Bind’s possession. Forensic analysis of these devices is currently underway to establish the broader network and to confirm the role of outside influences.
The controversy does not end with the viral videos. Authorities further revealed that the couple had been illegally occupying 15 bighas of forest department land in Garhwa village, Mirzapur, for cultivation. On September 23, 2025, just hours before their arrest, this encroached land was freed by a joint operation of the Revenue Department, Forest Department, and Police. Legal proceedings are ongoing regarding this encroachment.
Additionally, the criminal history of the accused was laid out in the police note. In 2017, Saroj Sargam and her associates were named in an FIR registered at Jigna Police Station under Sections 143, 341, 353, 332, 283, 336, 504 of the IPC and Section 7 of the CLA Act. This highlights a pattern of lawlessness, authorities say, linking past behavior with the current conspiracy.
So far, two fresh FIRs have been filed against the accused in connection with the Durga videos:
- FIR No. 271/2025 – Under Sections 299, 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 67 of the IT Act at Madihan Police Station, Mirzapur.
- FIR No. 190/2025 – Under Sections 299, 196, 353 BNS, Section 67 IT Act, and Section 7 of the CLA Act at Kotwali City Police Station, Mirzapur.
Police officials emphasized that the accused were not only involved in producing the objectionable content but also continued to upload similar material even after repeated removals by YouTube. This, they said, shows a deliberate intent to spread hatred.
The investigation has so far exposed the involvement of nine accused persons, including singers, musicians, and technical collaborators. Among them, six individuals have already been arrested.
Arrested Accused:
- Saroj Sargam alias Saroj Kol (35 years) – Birha singer, resident of Mirzapur, currently living in Jhunsi, Prayagraj.
- Rammilan Bind (40 years) – Husband of Saroj, producer/director of the videos, native of Handia, Prayagraj.
- Sitaram Kol (38 years) – Chorus singer.
- Suresh Kol (30 years) – Chorus singer.
- Prem Saroj alias Prachand (35 years) – Dholak player.
- Rakesh Kumar Yadav (34 years) – Harmonium player.
Others Named in Investigation:
- Sonu (21 years) – Nephew of Rammilan Bind, co-director of the YouTube channel.
- Shashank Prajapati (34 years) – Director of Maa Indi Studios, Prayagraj.
- Rajveer Singh Yadav (45 years) – Editor of Yadav Shakti magazine and author of Bahujan Nayak Mahishasur.
Police have seized multiple items from the possession of the accused, including four mobile phones (two from Saroj Sargam, one from Rammilan, and one each from co-accused) and objectionable literature considered inflammatory
Authorities stated that the digital evidence would be subjected to deep analysis by cyber experts to trace money trails, communication records, and possible links with larger groups.
The objectionable remarks have left the local Hindu community deeply angered, especially as the incident occurred during the holy festival of Navratri, when Goddess Durga is worshipped with devotion across the region. Public protests were reported in certain areas, though the timely removal of the content and quick arrests by police helped prevent escalation into major unrest.
The police reassured the public that strict legal action would be taken against all involved and appealed for restraint. “The administration is committed to maintaining peace and order. No one will be allowed to disturb communal harmony,” a senior officer emphasized.
