In connection with a case involving hate speech, Gujarat police on Sunday night detained Islamic preacher Mufti Salman Azhari in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. It should be mentioned that on January 31, an FIR was registered in Junagadh against Azhari for making an offensive speech at an event. Sections 153B and 505 (2) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) were used to charge Azhari and local organizers, such as Mohammad Yousuf Malek and Azim Habib Odedara. Following the release of Azhari’s speech online, a lawsuit was brought.
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Hundreds of Azhari’s fans gathered outside the police station shortly after his detention, calling for his immediate release. Later, in an effort to preserve peace and order, the police used a light lathi-charge to scatter Azhar’s supporters. For hours, the event caused traffic in the vicinity to be disrupted.
#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
Azhari asked his followers to keep the peace and refrain from demonstrating in front of the police station. The Islamic preacher told his followers that he is not a criminal and that he is assisting the police with their inquiry. “If it’s meant to be, I’m prepared to be arrested,” he continued.
I objected to the police’s application for his transit remand. I also informed the court that Azhari’s detention was unlawful. We did not receive the notice that is legally required to be served to us. He’s been placed under transit remand for two days. Arif Siddiqui, an attorney for Azharis, stated, “We have been informed that he will be transported to Junagadh.
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