Maulana Salman Azhari’s Arrest: A Deep Dive
Hate Speech Sparks Legal Action
Gujarat police, on Sunday (February 4), took Islamic preacher Maulana Salman Azhari into custody in Mumbai, responding to allegations of a hate speech delivered in Junagadh. The arrest unfolded amid a significant presence of his supporters. A few days earlier, Gujarat police had filed an FIR against Muslim clerics, including Maulana Azhari, and two others in connection with the speech.
Mumbai Custody
Maulana Salman Azhari is currently held at the Ghatkopar Police Station in Mumbai. The police station witnessed a gathering of Azhari’s supporters, prompting an increase in security measures in the vicinity. While Azhari’s legal team expresses readiness to cooperate fully with the investigation, the police remain tight-lipped about the case.
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Appeal for Calm
Despite the intense situation, an appeal has been made to Azhari’s supporters not to demonstrate. The legal developments surrounding the case continue to unfold, raising questions about the nature of the charges against the Islamic scholar.
Social Media Updates and Support
A Twitter Trail
Throughout the day, several tweets were posted from Maulana Salman Azhari’s official Twitter handle. One tweet indicated that Gujarat ATS, Mumbai ATS, and Chirag Nagar Police personnel arrested him at 11:56 AM. Another tweet mentioned the presence of 25 to 30 police officers surrounding Azhari’s residence, where he is currently under custody.
#WATCH | Mumbai: Wahid Sheikh, lawyer of Maulana Mufti Salman Azhari who was detained in a hate speech case, says, "35-40 policemen in civil dress were present at Maulana Mufti Salman Azhari's house in the morning hours. We asked them about their purpose for coming, but nothing… pic.twitter.com/JO3OIhJVSI
— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2024
Video Message
A video released by news agency ANI captures Maulana Salman Azhari assuring his cooperation with the ongoing investigation. He denies any criminal activity and asserts his readiness for arrest if required.
#WATCH | Mumbai: Maulana Mufti Salman Azhari who was arrested in a hate speech case requested his supporters not to protest and said, "…Neither am I a criminal, nor have I been brought here for committing a crime. They are doing the required investigation and I am also… https://t.co/rQHuf6LNK1 pic.twitter.com/7a8vZ32O46
— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2024
Unpacking the Case
The Allegations
Maulana Azhari faces accusations of delivering an incendiary speech during a program in Junagadh on January 31. The video of the event went viral, prompting Gujarat police to file an FIR against Maulana Azhari, event organizers Mohammad Yusuf Malik, and Ajim Habib Odedara.
Legal Action
Both local event organizers were swiftly arrested. The police charged them under sections 153B and 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code. The investigation is ongoing, and Maulana Azhari’s arrest marks a significant development in the case.
In conclusion, Maulana Salman Azhari’s arrest over a hate speech has sparked a legal storm involving Gujarat ATS, Maharashtra ATS Police, and the arrest of event organizers. As the case unfolds, it brings to light complex dynamics surrounding freedom of speech, religious discourse, and the role of social media in shaping public opinion. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.
FAQs: Unveiling the Details
Q: Why was Maulana Salman Azhari arrested?
He was arrested in connection with a hate speech delivered in Junagadh, Gujarat, as captured in a viral video.
Q: What charges were filed against the event organizers?
The charges include sections 153B (promoting enmity between different religious groups) and 505(2) (making statements conducive to public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code.
Q: Where is Maulana Salman Azhari currently held?
He is held at the Ghatkopar Police Station in Mumbai.
Q: How did supporters react to Azhari’s arrest?
A significant gathering of supporters was observed outside the police station, prompting increased security measures.
Q: What does Azhari assert in his social media posts?
Azhari denies criminal involvement and expresses readiness to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Q: What event triggered legal action against Maulana Azhari and others?
The delivery of an incendiary speech during a program in Junagadh on January 31 led to legal action.
