Commotion Unfolds in Mumbai Following the Arrest of Muslim Cleric Salman Azhari Over Alleged Hate Speech in Gujarat

Mumbai, 5th February 2024: Late-night disturbances gripped Mumbai as Mufti Salman Azhari, a Muslim cleric, was apprehended by Gujarat Police in connection with an alleged hate speech delivered in Junagadh on January 31. The speech, which gained traction on social media, prompted accusations of promoting hatred against Hindus, particularly from right-wing netizens, on ‘X’.

Mufti Salman Azhari, denying the allegations of hate speech, has expressed his willingness to cooperate with law enforcement and other investigative authorities. The controversial address took place at an open-ground event near the ‘B’ division police station in Junagadh.

In response to the ongoing investigation, the Gujarat Police detained Mufti Salman Azhari in Mumbai. Currently held at the Ghatkopar Police Station, he awaits further legal proceedings, as stated in an official release. The detention led to a gathering of hundreds of Azhari’s supporters outside the police station, demanding his immediate release. This demonstration resulted in significant traffic disruptions in the surrounding area, necessitating heightened security measures.

Before Azhari’s detention, Junagadh Police had already arrested two individuals in connection with the inflammatory speech video that surfaced on social media. The video, allegedly featuring Mufti Salman Azhari, resulted in the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Azhari and local organizers Mohammad Yousuf Malek and Azim Habib Odedara. The charges, under sections 153B (promoting enmity between different religious groups) and 505(2) (making statements conducive to public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code, highlight the serious nature of the allegations against the cleric and his associates.