The action came after two FIRs — one at the Chowk police station and another at the Sigra police station of Varanasi — were registered on the complaints of some priests alleging that they were forced to remove statues of Sai Baba.

Sanatan Rakshak Dal launched a campaign to remove Sai Baba statues. Priests allege such practices are not 'sanctioned' by Hindu scriptures.

The Sanatan Rakshak Dal has already removed Sai Baba statues from multiple temples and has vowed to continue their reclamation project

On its website, the Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, states that Sai Baba is revered as one of the greatest saints ever seen in India, endowed with unprecedented powers, and is worshipped as a God incarnate.

The removal of Sai Baba statues from Varanasi temples by Hindu nationalists has sparked controversy over religious inclusion and practices.