Prophet Remark Protest Row: 72-Year-Old booked On Violence Charges

The protests occurred outside Jama Masjid demanding the arrest of now-removed BJP member Nupur Sharma and media unit head Naveen Jindal

New Delhi: On Wednesday 72 year-old accused Anwaruddin was arrested for organising a violent gathering without permission.

Anwaruddin, a Matia Mahal local from the Jama Masjid area has been allegedly arrested under Section 41A (police may arrest without warrant) of the CrPC, sources said.

Anwaruddin who presently owns a motor store has been accused of forcing shops to be shut down in support of the protests that were held on the 10th of this month against remarks made on Prophet Muhammad by now-suspended BJP officials, Journalist Nupur Sharma and Media Unit Head Naveen Jindal

Police reported that Anwaruddin allegedly organised the movement and it’s planning through several WhatsApp groups.

Earlier this month protests occurred in the Pragyaraj locality of Uttar Pradesh after Friday prayers by the Muslim community over flaming comments made by now removed BJP officials on Prophet Muhammad.

“On June 10, an FIR was registered at Jama Masjid police station against the protesters under section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) as a protest was held in the Jama Masjid area after Friday prayers without permission. Section 153A IPC has also been added (to the FIR) for promoting communal disharmony in the area.” Said Shweta Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central).

Following the protests, police arrested individuals, Mohammed Nadeem Zaid (45) and Mohammed Faheem Khan (37) of the Jama Masjid and Turkman Gate Area respectively.

“Photographs of suspects have been released to seek information from the public. The name and identities of the informers will be kept secret,” SSP (Prayagraj) Ajay Kumar said regarding the issue, where serious investigation is underway.