Comedian Munawar Faruqui spotted in Star Sports' IPL Coverage, igniting boycott hashtags

Mumbai: Hashtags are emerging on social media urging to boycott Star Sports India for featuring popular stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui on its IPL match coverage, over his alleged Hinduphobic comments.

Faruqui was found in Star Sports’ coverage of the May 12 IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans prompting several Twitter users to come out with the boycott Star Sports hashtags.

For those who are not familiar with the situation, Munawar Faruqui has been accused of making remarks about Hindu deities during a performance, which caused offence to religious sentiments. He was arrested in January 2021 and held at the Indore jail in Madhya Pradesh for this act. Subsequently, he was released on bail.

Eklavya Singh Gaud, the son of BJP MLA Malini Laxman Singh Gaud, filed a complaint against Faruqui and others. Following this complaint, the comedian was arrested for alleged offences that are punishable under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including section 295-A. Munawar and others were also accused of organizing the show during the Covid-19 pandemic without permission.

Munawar Faruqui continues to face public resentment from individuals who were hurt by his comments, and it is anticipated that it may have an impact on his professional career. Additionally, the comedian participated in the first season of the show "Lock-upp," hosted by Kangana Ranaut, where he emerged as the winner.