Islamic Preacher Arrested in Mumbai for Hate Speech

An Islamic preacher, Mufti Salman Azhari, was arrested in Mumbai for allegedly giving an inflammatory speech. The arrest was made by the Maharashtra and Gujarat Police, who detained Mufti Salman Azhari at the Ghatkopar police station. His supporters gathered outside the station, demanding his immediate release. Due to the disruption caused by the gathering, the police had to resort to lathicharge to control the situation, as reported by PTI News Agency.

Despite being in police custody, Mufti Salman Azhari addressed his supporters from inside the police station, urging them not to protest. He stated that he is neither a criminal nor has he been brought here for committing a crime. Mufti Salman Azhari expressed his cooperation with the ongoing investigation and stated that he is ready to be arrested if it is his destiny.

The arrest of Mufti Salman Azhari comes after a speech he delivered in Junagadh, Gujarat, which was later circulated online. He, along with two others, was arrested under Sections 153B (promoting enmity between different religious groups) and 505 (2) (statements circulated to incite offense against a community) of the Indian Penal Code.