Gujarat police arrest Islamic preacher from Mumbai on alleged hate speech charge

The Gujarat Police have arrested Islamic Preacher Mufti Salman Azhari from Mumbai in connection with an FIR filed against him for reportedly delivering a hate speech. The incident in question took place during an event held on an open ground near the 'B' division police station in Gujarat's Junagadh city on January 31.

Following the circulation of a viral video depicting the purported hate speech, an FIR was lodged against Azhari, along with local organizers Mohammad Yousuf Malek and Azim Habib Odedara, under sections 153B and 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code. While Malek and Odedara were arrested on Saturday, Azhari had been sought by the authorities.

With the assistance of the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad, Azhari was being transported back to Junagadh after obtaining a transit remand from a Mumbai court, as confirmed by Junagadh crime branch police inspector J J Patel.

Upon arriving in Junagadh, Azhari is scheduled to appear before a court on Tuesday to address the allegations brought against him. According to officials, the accused individuals had obtained permission from the police for the event where Azhari was supposed to deliver a speech on religion and raise awareness about de-addiction. However, it is alleged that Azhari instead delivered an inflammatory address.

The Junagadh local crime branch has taken charge of the investigation into this matter.

In a separate development, tensions arose in Mumbai as hundreds of supporters of Mufti Salman Azhari congregated outside the Ghatkopar police station, demanding his immediate release. This led to a mild lathicharge by the police as the protest disrupted traffic in the vicinity, an official earlier reported.