Mufti Salman Azhari, an Islamic preacher, has been charged with hate speech in a third case by police in Modasa, Gujarat.

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3rd Case against Islamic Preacher Mufti Salman Azhari for Hate Speech

Published on February 10, 2024

Mufti Salman Azhari, an Islamic preacher based in Mumbai, faces legal action yet again as he is booked in a third case for alleged hate speech, this time by police in Modasa, Gujarat’s Arvalli district.

According to Superintendent of Police Shefali Barwal, Azhari delivered an inflammatory speech at an event held in Modasa on December 24.

Chronology of Events on Mufti Salman Azhari:

Azhari’s legal troubles began when he was apprehended from Mumbai on February 5 following accusations of delivering a hate speech in Junagadh on January 31.

Subsequently, the Kutch East police filed a First Information Report (FIR). They arrested him on February 8 for a similar offense on the same day in the Samakhiyari village, Bhachau taluka.

New Charges in Modasa:

The recent case in Modasa adds to Azhari’s legal woes. Despite the event being purportedly organized to discuss religion and de-addiction, Azhari’s speech was deemed provocative, leading to his inclusion in the FIR.

Superintendent Barwal highlighted that video evidence confirmed Azhari’s involvement in delivering the inflammatory speech.

Legal Charges:

In both Junagadh and Kutch East cases, Azhari was charged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 153B (promoting enmity between different religious groups) and Section 505(2) (making statements conducive to public mischief).

Additionally, in Modasa, he faces charges under Section 298 for uttering words intended to wound religious sentiments, along with relevant sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act due to derogatory remarks made against the SC community during his speech.