T Raja Singh, a Telangana BJP MLA, was arrested today for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad, following protests in Hyderabad last night demanding action against him.
According to cops, a case was filed against Mr Singh under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including promoting enmity between different groups on religious grounds, deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs, and criminal intimidation. Mr Singh was suspended by the BJP shortly after his arrest.
Protests broke out in front of city Police Commissioner CV Anand’s office and other parts of Hyderabad on Monday night, according to various reports. Many All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) legislators and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation corporators marched to police stations to demand strict action against T Raja Singh.
“Is it their official policy that they are dissatisfied with Nupur Sharma and are forcing other MLAs to speak out? People are enraged. People’s eyes are filled with tears. Why do they say such things about Prophet Muhammad? Our demand is that the BJP stop all of this. People can tell how much you despise the Prophet “Asaduddin Owaisi, the chairman of AIMIM, stated.
Mr Singh allegedly made derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad in a 10-minute video. Taking a shot at comedian Munawar Faruqui, whose show he recently attempted to disrupt, he said it was a “comedy” video, similar to Mr Faruqui’s alleged videos on Hindu gods. He questioned why Ram and Sita’s insults could be passed off as comedy but not other figures revered by other communities.
Mr Singh told reporters during his arrest that his video had been removed by the social media platform where it was posted and that he would upload “part 2” of the clip after his release. “They took my video down from YouTube. I’m not sure what the police will do. The second part (of the video) will undoubtedly be uploaded once I am released. I’m doing it for Dharma’s sake. I am willing to die for Dharma “He stated.
Protesters in Hyderabad claimed Mr Singh had hurt community sentiments and demanded his immediate arrest.
T Raja Singh, the city’s MLA from Goshamahal, attempted to disrupt a comedy show last week.
He was taken into police custody on Friday after attempting to reach the venue of stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui’s show with around 50 supporters to have it cancelled. The show then concluded quietly.
Mr. Singh’s divisive remarks come just months after former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma sparked a massive diplomatic backlash with her remarks about the Prophet. The BJP suspended Nupur Sharma, and 10 cases were filed against her across the country.