The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Mumbai): The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad detained Islamic preacher Mufti Salman Azhari in Mumbai in connection with an alleged hate speech case. This action followed the circulation of a video on social media, which reportedly shows the preacher delivering an inflammatory speech.
Currently, Mufti Salman is being held at Ghatkopar police station. His detention has prompted a significant response from his supporters, who have gathered in large numbers outside the police station, demanding his immediate release. This congregation has caused a substantial disruption in traffic around the area.
Addressing his supporters, Mufti Salman Azhari urged them not to protest. He stated, “…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 cooperating with them. I am ready to be arrested if it is in my destiny…”
Wahid Sheikh, the lawyer representing Maulana Mufti Salman Azhari, claims that while his client is ready to cooperate with the investigation, the police have not yet provided any response. Sheikh described an early morning incident where approximately 35-40 plainclothes policemen arrived at Mufti Salman’s house. Despite inquiries, the police did not disclose their purpose. It was later communicated that a case had been lodged against Mufti Salman under Section 153 B, which pertains to promoting enmity between different religious groups, in Gujarat.
The speech that led to Mufti Salman’s detention was reportedly delivered at an event held on an open ground near the ‘B’ division police station in Junagadh on the night of January 31.
This case has drawn considerable attention, reflecting the sensitive nature of religious discourse and the actions taken by authorities to address potentially divisive speech. The situation remains fluid as investigations continue and the preacher’s supporters await further developments.
