Islamic preacher Mufti Salman detained by Gujarat Police over alleged hate speech

Security has been high outside Mumbai’s Ghatkopar police station, where the Islamic preacher Mufti Salman has been held.

Detention and Gathering of Supporters:

Mumbai-based Islamic preacher Mufti Salman Azhari has been detained by the Gujarat Police following an alleged hate speech delivered in Junagadh. 

Azhari is currently held at Mumbai’s Ghatkopar police station, leading to the gathering of hundreds of supporters outside the station. Security measures have been intensified in the area to ensure law and order.

Preacher’s Cooperation in Probe:

A statement from Azhari’s lawyer indicates the preacher’s willingness to cooperate in the investigation. However, there has been no response from the police regarding his cooperation.

Detention Details Shared on Social Media:

Several posts were made from Azhari’s social media handle, claiming that he was detained by Gujarat ATS, Mumbai ATS, and Chirag Nagar police station personnel at 11:56 am. 

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The posts mention the police presence around Azhari’s society and his subsequent detention from his residence.

Background of the Case:

Mufti Salman Azhari is accused of delivering an inflammatory speech during an event near Junagadh’s ‘B’ division police station on January 31. The video of the speech went viral, leading to the filing of an FIR against Azhari and local organizers Mohammad Yousuf Malek and Azim Habib Odedara. 

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.

Arrests of Local Organizers:

The local organizers, Malek and Odedara, who secured permission for the event under the premise of addressing religion and spreading awareness about de-addiction, have already been arrested by the police.

Security Measures Amid Tensions:

The detention has resulted in heightened tensions, with supporters gathering outside the police station. The authorities are taking precautions to manage the situation and prevent any disturbances.

This incident adds to the ongoing debate around freedom of speech and the potential consequences of inflammatory remarks in sensitive social contexts.