Right-wing nationalists are burning the Kama Sutra for ‘showing Hindu deities in ‘vulgar’ positions

Right-wing Hindu national group Bajrang Dal burnt an illustrated copy of the Kama Sutra for containing “objectionable content,” Vice has reported.

The Kama Sutra is an ancient Hindu text on sexuality, courtship, marriage and more, though members of the Bajrang Dal, which is part of the same umbrella organization as prime minister Narenja Modi’s Bhartiya Janata Party, felt the book depicted a “vulgar” image of Hindu god Krishna.

“Hindu gods and goddesses are portrayed with vulgar poses, and Bajrang Dal will not be able to bear this misbehaviour with Hindu religion,” a Bajrang Dal member is heard saying in footage of the group having broken into a bookstore, preparing to burn the book in question.

“We are going to burn this book outside in protest. We are giving a warning to every bookstore owner that if you do not show respect to the Hindu dharma, today it’s a book being burnt, tomorrow it can be a bookstore.”

Latitude General, the bookstore into which they trespass, said they will stop carrying in the book in light of Bajrang Dal’s threats. They have not yet filed a police complaint.

According to Vice, the Bajrang Dal is an “armed organisation formed to protect their interpretation of Hindu heritage,” known for vehemently opposing interfaith relationships as well as couples embracing.

Its members are allegedly known for violently attacking couples for holding hands and/or going on dates in public.