Mufti Salman Azhari, a Sunni Islamic research scholar from Mumbai, India, and the founder of Jamia Riyazul Jannah, Al-Amaan Education and Welfare Trust, and Darul Amaan, was recently arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad in Mumbai. Azhari, known for his controversial speeches, was held 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.
The arrest was made in connection with an alleged hate speech that went viral on social media. In the video, Azhari is seen making provocative statements against Hindus, referring to a “final battle of Karbala” and suggesting a future time when it will be “our time.” The video sparked outrage, leading to his arrest on January 31.
This is not Azhari’s first brush with the law. He was previously arrested in 2018 for making provocative remarks about Hindus during a speech in Karnataka. Although he was released on bail after a few days, the charges against him are still pending.
Following Azhari’s recent arrest, hundreds of his supporters gathered outside the Ghatkopar police station, demanding his immediate release. The protest resulted in traffic disruptions, leading the Mumbai Police to register a case against the gathering.
