Assam: Book offending religious leader banned

India's northeastern state of Assam has banned a book considered offensive to Sankaradeva, a 16th century Vaishnavaite saint-reformer of the region. The state is also considering legal action against the author, while religious leaders demand his punishment. The book, Sankar Bibhrat by Srikanta Deva Sarma, a Guwahati-based priest, pointed out contradictions in other books written about Sankaradeva. It is said to have sparked large-scale religious protests around the state.

Source: Indian Express, Jan. 27, 2009; Assam Tribune, Jan. 19.