Islamic preacher Mufti Salman Azhari has been detained by Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Mumbai, on Sunday. The preacher has been detained over the allegations of delivering a provocative speech.
The Mufti made a speech in Junagadh, Gujurat, which sparked controversy after being shared online. It consequently led to his arrest in Mumbai.
After his arrest, hundreds of his supporters gathered outside Ghatkopar police station in Mumbai, prompting a lathi charge by the police to control the crowd and manage traffic disruptions.
Mufti Salman Azhari is held under Sections 153B (promoting enmity between different religious groups) and 505(2) (statements circulated to incite offence against a community) of the Indian Penal Code.
Mufti Salman Azhari urged his supporters not to protest, addressing them from the confines of the police station.
“Neither am I a criminal, nor have I been brought here for committing a crime. They are conducting the necessary investigation, and I am also cooperating with them. I am ready to be arrested if it is my destiny,” he said, asserting his innocence.
Two other individuals, Mohammad Yousuf Malek and Azim Habib Odedara, local organizers associated with the speech, had already been arrested by Gujarat Police before Mufti’s detention.
Subsequently, the Gujarat Police sought assistance from the Maharashtra Police to apprehend the cleric.
According to Mufti’s lawyer, a group of around 35 to 40 police personnel in civilian clothes arrived at Mufti’s residence on Sunday morning. The police reportedly refused to disclose the purpose of their visit until coordinating with Mufti Salman Azhari himself.
“After coordinating with Maulana Mufti Salman Azhari, they (police) said that a case has been lodged under 153 B, in Gujarat. Maulana Mufti Salman Azhari came to the police station with them and also cooperated,” the lawyer stated.