1. What is the latest controversy surrounding Mohammed Zubair?
Mohammed Zubair, the co-founder of Alt News, has been embroiled in a new controversy after he shared a video of Yati Narsinghanand, a priest from the Dasna Devi temple in Ghaziabad, making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad. This video was posted on X and sparked widespread protests across the country.
2. Why was Mohammed Zubair booked by the police?
Zubair was booked by the Ghaziabad Police under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) including promoting enmity between religious groups, fabricating evidence, and outraging religious feelings. The FIR was filed based on a complaint by Udita Tyagi, an aide of Yati Narsinghanand, who alleged that Zubair's post was intended to incite Muslims to violence.
3. What were the specific charges against Mohammed Zubair?
Zubair has been charged under sections 196, 228, 299, 356(3), and 351(2) of the BNS. These charges include promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, fabricating false evidence, deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, defamation, and criminal intimidation.
4. How did the protests escalate, and what was the police response?
Protests against Yati Narsinghanand's remarks turned violent, with a mob of around 150 persons allegedly throwing stones at police officers outside the Dasna Devi temple. In response, the police imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNS, restricting gatherings of five or more persons. Six PAC companies and police personnel were deployed to prevent further escalation of tension.
5. What is the background of Yati Narsinghanand's controversial remarks?
Yati Narsinghanand has been known for making vitriolic speeches against Muslims and Islam. His recent remarks included calling for burning the effigy of Prophet Muhammad instead of Ravan on the occasion of Dussehra, which sparked widespread outrage and protests from Muslim groups.
6. How have other leaders reacted to the situation?
Leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi and Arshad Madani have also faced criticism for their social media posts condemning Narsinghanand's remarks. However, they have maintained that their statements were aimed at highlighting the hate speech and not inciting violence.
7. What is the broader context of communal tensions in India?
The incident highlights the ongoing communal tensions in India, where religious leaders and activists often engage in provocative rhetoric. This has led to repeated instances of violence and protests, underscoring the need for stricter laws against hate speech and more effective measures to maintain communal harmony.
