Hyderabad, April 21: In a recent incident that has stirred controversy in the city, Shravan Kumar, a resident of Jawaharnagar, was taken into custody by the local police for allegedly sharing blasphemous content about Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on Facebook. The arrest followed complaints from members of the Muslim community who found the post offensive and disrespectful to their religious beliefs.
The Jawaharnagar police have registered a case against Shravan Kumar under Sections 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). These sections carry serious legal implications and reflect the gravity of the offense.
Amjedullah Khan, spokesperson for Majilis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), has strongly condemned the incident and demanded strict action against Shravan Kumar. Khan has also urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation to identify any collaborators involved in what he suspects to be a deliberate attempt to stoke communal tensions through social media.
This arrest comes at a sensitive time for Hyderabad, with the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana just around the corner. The incident serves as a reminder of previous instances where provocative content has triggered unrest in the state. In 2022, a BJP MLA’s derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad had nearly led to a riot, highlighting the volatile nature of religious sentiments in the region.
The prompt response by the Jawaharnagar police underscores the importance of maintaining law and order, especially during periods of heightened political activity. It sends a clear message about the legal consequences of posting offensive material on social media platforms, particularly when it pertains to religious figures and beliefs.
Authorities are likely to remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring such activities to prevent any further escalation of communal tensions, safeguard public order, and ensure communal harmony, especially in the lead-up to significant electoral events like the Lok Sabha elections.
