Bihar maulana arrested for objectionable remarks against Yogi Adityanath's mother
What's the story
The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested Maulana Abdullah Salim, a cleric from Jokihat in Araria, Bihar. He was apprehended from Purnea late Monday and brought to Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, for further legal proceedings. The action comes after two First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed against him in UP for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's mother.
FIR details
First FIR filed in Bahraich
The first FIR was filed on Monday at the Nagar Kotwali police station in Bahraich district. The complaint was lodged by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) district legal cell convenor and advocate Ajit Pratap Singh. It alleges that Salim made derogatory remarks about CM Adityanath's mother, which were widely circulated through a viral video on social media.
Additional complaint
Second FIR in Balrampur
The second FIR was filed in Balrampur district on March 7 by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) district president Ravi Mishra. This case invoked sections for intentional insult and public mischief. The Bahraich FIR includes sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), namely 196(1)(a) for promoting enmity, 299 for outraging religious feelings, and 353(1) for circulation of false information.
Public outcry
Protests erupt across UP demanding action against Salim
The remarks had sparked protests in several districts including Balrampur, Basti, Sitapur, and Kanpur. Activists demanded strict action against Salim for his alleged comments. BJP MLA Surendra Diler wrote to the Senior Superintendent of Police demanding stringent legal action as he feared that the viral video could disturb communal harmony. Actor-turned-MP Ravi Kishan also condemned the remarks, emphasizing that in Indian culture a mother is highly respected and such statements are unacceptable.
Legal demands
VHP demands strict legal action against Salim
VHP leaders called Salim's speech provocative and capable of disturbing communal peace. They demanded strict legal action, including provisions under the National Security Act (NSA), and a ban on his public speeches. The controversy erupted over his speech in Araria district, where he criticized Uttar Pradesh's anti-cow slaughter law. During the speech, he allegedly made an insulting remark against Adityanath's mother.