This action comes in the wake of two recent murders that sparked communal tensions in the coastal region. The externment measures are intended to restrict these individuals from entering designated areas for a specified period, thereby aiming to maintain public order and prevent further unrest.

The individuals in question are linked to multiple police station jurisdictions, including Bantwal, Vittal, Puttur Town and Rural, Kadaba, Sullia, Uppinangady, Punjalkatte, and Belthangady. The proceedings are being carried out under Section 55 of the Karnataka Police Act, which empowers the police to initiate preventive action against those deemed a threat to public peace and safety.

In the wake of recent communal killings in Dakshina Kannada, the police have barred 36 individuals, who belong to both communities and have troubled pasts, from entering the district under Section 55 of the Karnataka Police Act. This action is aimed at curbing unrest and… pic.twitter.com/Cxf7tKz2UU

— Ashish (@KP_Aashish) June 3, 2025

The list includes people from various parts of the district. They have been charged with assault, intimidation, extortion, and gang-related activities. The list comprises individuals aged between 22 and 54 from different parts of the district, all of whom have been booked for offences such as assault, intimidation, extortion, and involvement in gang-related activities.

Taking strict action to ensure peace in the region: Police

Arun K, Superintendent of Police, Dakshina Kannada, said, “We are taking strict action to ensure peace in the region. Externment is a preventive measure aimed at breaking the nexus of habitual offenders who pose a recurring threat to society” reported the Indian Express reported.

The police are in the process of serving notices, and hearings will be held in accordance with legal procedure before the orders are finalised, he said.

BJP Minister alleged Hindu leaders are being unfairly targeted under political pressure

Despite the list including individuals from both Hindu and Muslim communities, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expressed concerns over what it alleges to be selective targeting. Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Shobha Karandlaje, has written to the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority, Justice N.K. Sudhindra Rao, claiming that Hindu leaders are being unfairly singled out under political pressure.

The minister its letter asserted that the action appears biased and urged the authority to review the externment proceedings to ensure they are free from political influence and carried out in a fair and transparent manner.

Shocking reports from Dakshina Kannada reveal targeted harassment of pro-Hindu citizens by police allegedly acting under political pressure from the Congress-led govt. Midnight raids, illegal surveillance & blatant abuse of power are being used as tools of political vendetta.… pic.twitter.com/eKJm3wk85V

— Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) June 3, 2025

She alleged that, “acting under political pressure from the Congress-led State Government, have been systematically targeting and harassing individuals associated with pro-Hindu organisations, social workers, traders, and even ordinary law-abiding civilians.”

Calling the situation “particularly alarming,” Karandlaje alleged that police officers have been visiting individuals’ homes late at night, photographing their residences, and recording GPS coordinates “without any legal warrants or just cause.”

She further added that these actions violate fundamental constitutional rights, including the right to privacy, the right to life under Article 21, and the right to equality under Article 14.

“This pattern of intimidation began shortly after the recent change in police leadership in Mangaluru,” she said, referencing the Karnataka government’s decision to transfer the Police Commissioner of Mangaluru city, along with the Superintendents of Police (SPs) of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, in the wake of recent communal incidents.

Police initiated legal proceedings to extern BJP leader Arun Kumar Puthila

Additionally, in Dakshina Kannada district, police have initiated legal steps to extern BJP leader and Puthila Parivara head Arun Kumar Puthila, citing concerns about his impact on law and order in the region. Earlier, a formal notice had been served, requiring him to appear for a hearing on June 6. If he fails to do so, officials may proceed with an ex parte order, as per a report in the Hindustan Times.

The action is also being taken under Section 55 of the Karnataka Police Act. An official familiar with the matter said there are plans to relocate Puthila to the jurisdiction of Shahabad police station in Kalaburagi district. The notice, issued by the Puttur assistant commissioner, mentions that Puthila can be represented either in person or through a legal representative. The move reportedly stems from his past record of delivering inflammatory speeches, as reported

FIR registered against senior RSS leader Prabhakar Bhat for delivering provocative speech

As part of ongoing preventive measures, Dakshina Kannada police registered an FIR on June 2 against senior RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, accusing him of delivering a provocative speech during a condolence meeting held on May 12 for Suhas Shetty—a Hindutva activist and rowdy-sheeter who was recently killed on May 1 on a busy street in Mangaluru. Shetty was a prominent pro-right-wing youth leader associated with Bajrang Dal in Karnataka’s coastal belt.

According to The News Minute, the FIR details several of Prabhakar Bhat’s remarks. He reportedly said, “We don’t accept the killing of cows. So many of our youngsters have risen against that. They’re not rowdies; they’re patriots. They protect dharma (religion).”

The Hindu reports that the event took place at Madwa Palace Convention Hall in Kavalapadur village, under the jurisdiction of the Bantwal Rural Police Station. Authorities claim Bhat’s remarks were inflammatory and could spark communal unrest. The case has been filed under relevant section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Interim relief for RSS leader after Hate Speech FIR

Just hours after the FIR for alleged hate speech was registered, RSS leader Prabhakar Bhat approached the Karnataka High Court, seeking to quash the case and halt further proceedings. In response, Justice S.R. Krishna Kumar granted interim relief, directing the police not to take any coercive action against him. The court also instructed Bhat to cooperate with the investigation and required the police to obtain judicial permission before filing a chargesheet.

Siddaramaiah government is anti-Hindu: BJP State President

Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led state government, accusing it of misusing the police force to target Hindu leaders for political gain. He alleged the administration was appeasing the Muslim community for electoral benefits while ignoring “anti-social elements.”

“In the coastal region, Hindu leaders and BJP workers are being deliberately harassed to intimidate Hindu activists,” Vijayendra said, claiming the state was silencing pro-Hindu voices and shielding others. He also criticised the swift transfer of senior police officers in Mangaluru following the murder of a Muslim truck driver, calling it a politically driven move.

“There’s a clear conspiracy to slap false cases on Hindu leaders and put them behind bars,” he added, denouncing FIRs and externment orders as “shameful attempts to stifle free speech.” He demanded the immediate withdrawal of all charges. “The FIR against more than 15 leaders of Hindu organisations, including Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, must be cancelled, and the deportation order revoked. If not, the government alone will be responsible for the consequences,” he warned.

Commenting on the murder of right-wing leader Suhas Shetty, Vijayendra reiterated his stance, calling the Congress government “anti-Hindu” and alleging repeated attacks on Hindu activists. He said BJP leaders had appealed to Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot for a central probe, and the Ministry of Home Affairs had since handed the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

“BJP workers met the Governor and we demanded an investigation by the NIA, which the state government did not accept, but the Centre fortunately agreed to…” he stated in a report in the ANI.

BJP warns of agitation over alleged ‘targeting Hindu leaders’ in Dakshina Kannada

The BJP has warned of a protest against the Congress-led Karnataka government, accusing it of targeting Hindu leaders in Dakshina Kannada. This comes after an FIR was filed against RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat for alleged hate speech and an externment notice was issued to BJP leader Arun Kumar Puttila, as per the Hindu reports.

Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta criticised the Siddaramaiah government for misusing state machinery to harass and divide Hindu voices, claiming it was a cover-up for its administrative failures. He said he had spoken to the state police chief and would meet top police officials in Mangaluru on Tuesday along with other party leaders.

Former Minister and Karkala MLA V. Sunil Kumar accused the government of trying to enforce a “police raj” in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, as reported

However, on June 3, BJP Dakshina Kannada district president Satish Kumpala also accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of misusing the police force to “mentally harass and demoralise Sangh Parivar activists by filing baseless cases against them” as per the report in the Hindu.

Speaking to the media after meeting City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy and Dakshina Kannada SP K. Arun—along with BJP MLAs and party leaders—Kumpala said the delegation had conveyed its strong displeasure over what they described as the police treating individuals associated with Hindu organisations as criminals.

Whether Hindu or Muslim, action will be taken only if someone breaks the law: Karnataka Home Minister

Responding to allegations of selective action, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated, “Whether Hindu or Muslim, action will be taken only if someone breaks the law. No one will be spared if they do something wrong.”

In a post on X, Parameshwara emphasised the government’s commitment to restoring peace and social harmony in the state, particularly in light of recent communal disturbances in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, and Shivamogga districts.

“We had promised to make Karnataka a garden of peace, and the people placed their trust in us,” he wrote. “Now, more than ever, there is a need to foster an environment of peace and unity.”

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕವನ್ನು ಸರ್ವಜನಾಂಗದ ಶಾಂತಿಯ ತೋಟವಾಗಿಸುವ ವಾಗ್ದಾನವನ್ನು ನಾಡಿನ ಜನತೆಗೆ ನಾವು ಚುನಾವಣಾ ಪೂರ್ವದಲ್ಲೇ ನೀಡಿದ್ದೆವು, ಅದರಂತೆ ಜನತೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಮೇಲೆ ವಿಶ್ವಾಸವಿಟ್ಟು ಬಹುಮತದ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ರಚನೆಗೆ ಅವಕಾಶ ನೀಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಶಾಂತಿ, ಸೌಹಾರ್ದತೆ ಮತ್ತು‌ ಸಾಮರಸ್ಯದ ವಾತಾವರಣವನ್ನು ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಮಾಡುವ ಅಗತ್ಯ ಎಂದಿಗಿಂತಲೂ ಈಗ… pic.twitter.com/JYtHiSZr8F

— DIPR Karnataka (@KarnatakaVarthe) May 30, 2025

He added that the government has taken serious note of incidents involving communal miscreants and has formed a special task force to address them. The force—carved out of the existing Naxal Suppression Unit—includes 248 personnel, led by a DGP and supported by officers across various ranks.

“Strict action will be taken against anyone who incites communal hatred, regardless of their religion or affiliation. The law will take its course,” he said.

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The post Karnataka Police’s massive crackdown on habitual hate offenders in Dakshina Kannada region appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The police Thursday booked the controversial #Hindu priest #YatiNarsinghanandSaraswati for #HateSpeech against #ProphetMuhammad delivered at #HindiBhawan in #Ghaziabad’s #LohiaNagar on 29 September.

An FIR was registered under section 302 (hurting someone’s religious feelings)… pic.twitter.com/wVoh28gh6Q

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) October 4, 2024

The speech was delivered at an event organised by the Major Ashram Vyag Seva Sansthan at the Dasna Devi Temple, where Yati Narsinghanand serves as head priest. A video of his remarks quickly went viral on social media, provoking widespread outrage. Media reports thereafter have indicated that he was detained by the Ghaziabad Police for making derogatory comments about Prophet Muhammad. However, this detention appeared to be a protective measure rather than an arrest, as there has been no confirmation of any FIR filed against him in connection with his remarks, nor has he been presented before a court nor arrested. This raises concerns about the nature of his detention.

The police’s provision of protection to Yati Narsinghanand under the guise of detention raises significant concern. Despite reports of his detention, his unclear whereabouts suggest that he is being shielded rather than held accountable by the authorities of the UP police. Amid discussions on social media regarding Narsinghanand’s whereabouts, Surendra Nath Tiwari, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) stated that no arrest or detention related to the incident had been made as of late Saturday night (October 5). This clarification from the DCP came in response to rumours circulating about Narsinghanand’s detention, as reported by the Hindustan Times.

What’s striking is that despite multiple FIRs across the country and protests against Yati’s hate speech, no serious penal action has been taken against him or his supporters, who continue to propagate his divisive rhetoric on social media. In sharp contrast, the police have arrested six persons for allegedly pelting stones at police personnel near the Dasna Devi temple in Ghaziabad during the protest against the Yati’s derogatory remark.

Yati Narsinghanand, labelled a serial hate offender, remains free under the BJP rule, raising serious questions about both the union and state government’s partisan approach while dealing with incidents of hate speech. The BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh government, led by Yogi Adityanath, has faced intense criticism for its inaction despite Narsinghanand’s repeated inflammatory remarks targeting the Muslim community. His derogatory comments about Prophet Muhammad and Islam have sparked widespread protests, yet authorities have failed to hold him accountable or pursue meaningful legal action against him. Furthermore, he has not faced prosecution from the BJP-ruled Uttarakhand government for organizing the controversial Dharam Sansad in December 2021 in Haridwar, where he openly called for genocide against Muslims.

Multiple FIRs registered against Yati Narsinghanand for his remark against Prophet

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

The Ghaziabad, Sihani Gate Police Station filed a suo-moto FIR on October 3, 2024, booking Narsinghanand for his derogatory remark and hate speech delivered at the Hindi Bhawan, Lohia Nagar in Ghaziabad district. An FIR was registered under section 302 (hurting someone’s religious feelings) of the BNS based on a complaint by police sub-inspector Trivendra Singh Singh. “We have not arrested him yet,” said Sachin Kumar, Station House Officer, Sihani Gate Police Station, adding the police have taken cognisance of a video of the alleged hate speech that has since gone viral. Police also registered a suo moto FIR at Wave City police station over the protest on October 4, against 100-150 unidentified persons.

According to Hindustan Times, “about 100-150 persons gathered outside the Dasna Devi temple and were raising slogans against the remarks made against Muhammad Paigamber Sahab. When stopped, they resorted to stone-pelting and prevented discharge of official duties,” the FIR stated.

Thane, Maharashtra

An FIR against Yati registered in Maharashtra’s Thane district over his inflammatory remark against Prophet Muhammad. The FIR has been registered based on the complaint by the president of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). The FIR has been lodged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 196 (promoting enmity between different groups, and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 197 (imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration), 299 (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) and 302 (intentionally uttering words to deliberately wound the religious sentiments of another person).

Hyderabad, Telangana

On October 6, 2024, the Hyderabad Police registered an FIR against Yati Narsinghanand, following a complaint lodged by the Hyderabad MP and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi over his derogatory remark on Prophet Muhammad. The FIR was booked by the Cyber Crime police station of the city police under relevant provisions of the IT Act and the BNS.

Yati Narsinghanand disappeared after remark: Police’s crackdown on Protesters

Following the speech, the derogatory subject sparked a mass protest and filing of multiple FIRs against serial hate offender Yati Narsinghanand’s derogatory remark against prophet Muhammad in Ghaziabad, tensions escalated in Sheikhpura Kadeem village, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday, October 6, 2024, following alleged defamatory remarks by priest Yati Narsinghanand about Prophet Muhammad. As per reports, alleged stone-pelting from protesters, prompted police to use mild force to disperse the crowd. Additional police units were deployed to maintain law and order in the village. Approximately 1,500 residents submitted a memorandum at the Kotwali Dehat police station in response to the controversial comments targeting Islam and the Muslim community. Although the police accepted the memorandum in the village, some individuals attempted to reach the police post, but were intercepted by authorities.

According to The Print, the police in Saharanpur district have arrested 13 persons in connection with stone pelting at Sheikhpura police post during a protest against controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand’s remarks on Prophet Muhammad.

On October 8, 2024, in a retaliation action against the protesters who were protesting against Yati’s remark, 15 protesters were held in Meerut for ‘unauthorized’ protest against Yati Narsinghanad. As per a report in the Deccan Herald, Meerut Police on Tuesday arrested 15 people for leading an unauthorised protest against controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand in the Mundali area of Meerut, a day after their demonstration, officials said. 

The detailed piece on the protest may be read here.

Journalist booked for exposing hate: questions on Police neutrality

An FIR has been filed against Mohammed Zubair, co-founder of Alt News, for provoking violence against Yati Narsinghanand. The Complaint against Zubair is based on a complaint made by Narsinghanand’s aide, Udita Tyagi, General Secretary of Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati Foundation. In her complaint she alleged that Zubair posted an old video of Narsinghanand on October 3, 2024 to provoke violence against him (Yati). 

According to Sabrang India, the FIR was filed two days after protests against Narsinghanand for making anti-Islamic comments against Prophet Mohammad had taken place at the Dasna temple, where Narsinghanand serves as the head priest. Tyagi, in her complaint, had accused Zubair of sharing edited video clips of Narsinghanand’s speeches on social media, allegedly to provoke violence by Muslims against the priest. She claimed that Zubair posted a video from an old program of Narsinghanand on October 3, which, she said, was aimed at stirring unrest. According to Tyagi, Zubair’s posts on October 4 and 5 escalated tensions and nearly led to an attack on the Dasna temple. Tyagi also stated that she was present with Narsinghanand at the temple during the alleged attack and that they barely escaped due to police intervention. It is to be noted that a total of ten people have been arrested by the police after the protest allegedly turned violent.

The stark contrast in police action towards Muhammad Zubair and Yati Narsinghanand reveals a troubling bias within law enforcement in Uttar Pradesh. While Zubair faces harsh scrutiny and potential legal repercussions, Narsinghanand continues to operate freely despite multiple FIRs against him for inciting hate and violence. This disparity raises serious concerns about the protection offered to hate speakers under the BJP-led government, suggesting a troubling trend of selective enforcement.

Hate Offender Profile: Yati Narsinghanand

Born Deepak Tyagi, Yati Narsinghanand claims to have an MTech degree in Chemical Engineering, from what was then known as the Moscow Institute of Chemical Machine Building. Once he completed his course he worked as an engineer, headed marketing teams at several companies in the Russian capital as well as in London. After nine years abroad, he returned to India in 1997 and has been with the Dasna Devi temple situated in Ghaziabad for over a decade as head priest and actively working for his divisive agenda. In 2020, Narsinghanand’s followers brutally assaulted a 14- year-old Muslim boy who was drinking water from the Dasna temple premises in Uttar Pradesh. After the incident, a large board was put up at the entrance of the temple stating “Ye Mandir Hinduon Ka Pavitra Sthal Hai. Yahan Musalmano Ka Pravesh Varjit Hai” (This temple is holy for Hindus, the entry of Muslims is strictly forbidden, as per instructions by Narsinghanand Saraswati). 

Image Courtesy: BBC

In 2021, he was appointed as the Mahamandaleshwar of the Juna Akhara, which is believed to be the most important among the 13 Akharas (monastery), of Hindu monastic orders, in the country. 

Narsinghanand engages in daily content creation to connect with his followers through provocative statements and misleading narratives. Although he lacks a personal page on Meta (Facebook), his supporters maintain a robust presence through fan pages. These pages frequently feature narratives portraying Muslims as involved in various forms of jihad, amplifying divisive themes and fostering an environment of contention. Narsinghanand’s approach highlights the power of social media in shaping discourse and influencing public perception, as his supporters actively propagate these hate-ridden ideas to a wider audience. 

In 2019, a Facebook live video of Yati Narsinghanand shared by BJP supporter Hanuman Singh Rajpurohit on October 19, 2019, garnered a staggering 32 million views. In this video, Narsinghanand openly declared, “I hate Islam and I want to eliminate Islam from the face of the Earth,” making incendiary remarks against Muslims while rallying a cheering crowd. The video was subsequently removed by Meta (Facebook) for violating community guidelines after several complaints were filed including the first one by Citizens for Justice and Peace against his video. On March 10, 2021, CJP filed a complaint with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Ministry of Minority Affairs the Yati Narsinghanand’s inflammatory and anti-minority speech. CJP is actively working to curb hate-ridden and divisive agendas of such individuals and organisations like Yati Narsinghanand through its tireless efforts.

For example, on July 11, 2021, CJP approached the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), to take cognisance of the vile and anti-minority statements made by one Vikas Sehrawat alias Malik Sehrawat, who is also a disciple of the priest, Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati. CJP has reported on a video uploaded by Vikas on his Facebook page on April 11, 2021, one day after he was released from jail on bail for uploading an incendiary video against politician Alka Lamba and calling for violence against Muslims in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. In the video uploaded on April 11, he abused the Aam Aadmi Party leader Amanatullah Khan and NDTV’s renowned journalist Ravish Kumar. In response, NCM issued notice to the DIG Meerut on CJP’s complaint against Yati Narsinghanand’s follower and directed to Meerut’s Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) to file a detailed report within 15 days.

While continuing the combat against the hate-ridden communal agendas of Yati Narsinghanad and his followers, CJP in November 2021, approached the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) once again against two of his followers, Suresh Rajput and Rahul Sharma who during a live session on Facebook made a series of vile and hateful statements about the women who held the internationally documented anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protest at Shaheen Bagh.

On August 11, 2021, Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) strongly presented its case before the Chairperson, National Commission for Minorities, against Yati Narsinghanand’s derogatory statements about workers like plumbers, electricians, delivery boys, vegetable vendors who are Muslims, who enter Hindu homes for work, befriend Hindu women who then fall prey to the ‘Jihadis’. The complaint has highlighted how such statements tend to not only create a prejudice against honest, hardworking people from the Muslim community who might be working as plumbers, electricians etc. but also has the distinct possibility – given the political and social capital enjoyed by the speaker – to cause prejudice and adversely affect their livelihood. CJP urged the NCM to initiate a suo moto Inquiry/Investigation against Yati Narsinghanad’s hateful speech targeting the Muslim Community and inciting Hindus.

In September, 2022, in an event organised by the Hindu Mahasabha in Aligarh (UP), while referring to Aligarh as the place from where the “seed of India’s partition” was sown, Yati Narsinghanand exhorted that the Aligarh Muslim University should be demolished using bombs. Through his devastating remark he exhorted that AMU should be blown up with gunpowder, while making provocative statements saying that we should practice the policy of China and send the students of the madrassas to detention camps.

In line with forwarding hateful propagandas and divisive ideology, Yati Narsinghanand on April 3, 2023 was present at an event of “Hindu Jagruti Sammelan”, organised by the right-wing extremist outfits in New Delhi’s Holiday Inn in the presence of many police officers, where many serial hate offender including Yati Narsinghanand made deliberate attempts to spread hate and enmity against Islam. Yati Narsinghanand exhorted through his speech that “Now has come the time to unite the entire world against Islam and its jihad.” He maligned the Islamic Faith while saying that “We have to take over the temple in Mecca as well where Mahadev’s Ganga flows as Zamzam (river). He then went on to call the supposed temple in Mecca as “Mecceshwar Mahadev”. 

On June 18, 2023, he sparked outrage and tensions again with his inflammatory speech against Muslims in Dasna, Uttar Pradesh. As the organizer of the infamous December 2021 Haridwar ‘Dharam Sansad’, he’s consistently spread anti-Muslim hate, advocating for genocide and violence in Uttar Pradesh and across the country. This self-proclaimed Hindu leader openly supports harmful acts against Indian Muslims, aiming to create a Muslim-free India. His other speech delivered on June 18, targeted Muslims to fuel his divisive agenda, introducing the ‘Hindu Bachao Morcha’. Narsinghanand’s incendiary rhetoric led to detention by Ghaziabad police.

In September 2023, Yati Narsinghanand escalated his hateful rhetoric by making shocking remarks about the revered former president APJ Abdul Kalam, labelling him a “traitor” and using derogatory language against Muslims. His statements, which suggested that Kalam represented a violent threat and demeaned his accomplishments, exemplify a disturbing pattern of communal hatred. Such incendiary language not only disrespects a national icon but also fuels division and hostility within society. In his speech he said that “APJ Abdul Kalam is one of the biggest traitors in India. APJ Abdul Kalam is one of those people who are ghaatak (prone to violence); the world should not have such people. He was not very special, did not have a PhD and was given just an honorary doctorate. The thing is that Muslims like APJ Abdul Kalam are more violent than ‘ordinary jihadis’. Traitors like him, we (Hindus) can’t accept it as a weak community. People like APJ Abdul Kalam are like the rakshasa.” In response to his blatant derogatory remark and violation of the law, the Ghaziabad police booked him under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 295A, 505(1), and 67 of the IT Act 2000.

It’s shocking and concerning that, despite numerous FIRs lodged against Yati Narsinghanand, there has been a glaring lack of effective investigation, police inaction and accountability. A 2022 BBC report revealed that the police only provided details on ten of the more than twenty cases against him, which include serious charges like attempted murder and abetment of suicide. This pattern of inaction raises alarming questions about the commitment to uphold the law and protect vulnerable communities from hate speech and call for violence by serial hate offenders like Yati Narsinghanand. The systemic failure due to communal influence of ‘Saffronisation of politics’ such egregious offenses and attempts not only undermining the safety of minorities but also emboldens individuals who perpetuate communal discord.

It’s important to note that Yati Narsinghanand and his followers were booked by the Mahmoodabad Police Station in Sitapur (UP) in year 2019, after they met the family of Kamlesh Tiwari, a leader of a Hindu outfit who was killed at his residence-cum-office on October 18, 2019. Narsinghanand delivered a two-minute speech filled with hate and inciting remarks against the Muslim community.

Yati’s Dharam Sansad in Haridwar: a stage for Hate and Division

The Haridwar Dharam Sansad (Religious Parliament) was organized in Haridwar, Uttarakhand from December 17 to 19, 2021, and was organized under the theme “Islamic Bharat Mein Sanatan Ka Bhavishya” (The Future of Sanatan in an Islamic India). The event featured various right-wing religious leaders, with Yati Narsinghanand being one of the prominent speakers. At the Dharam Sansad, several self-proclaimed religious leaders, including Serial Hate Offender Yati Narsinghanand espoused a hard, right-wing, exclusionist ideology and activists of the same ilk, along with hard-line fundamentalist speakers delivered incendiary and inciteful speeches against the Muslim community.  The event was toxic with provocative hate speeches and call for violence against the Muslims as Narsinghanand openly called for genocide and use of weapons against Muslims. The hateful and derogatory speeches made at in “Dharma Sansad” in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, triggered outrage and condemnation across the country.

On December 23, 2021, following the speech delivered at the Dharam Sansad, an FIR No. 849 of 2021 was registered against Yati Narsinghanand and other speakers under Sections 153A and 295A under the Indian Penal Code at Kotwali Police Station in Haridwar. Dramatically, on February 2, 2022, Yati was granted bail by the local court of Haridwar in the case registered against him.

It is important to highlight that, in another FIR No. 18 of 2022 registered against Yati Narsinghanand at Kotwali Police Station in Haridwar in a case registered against him for his alleged offensive and derogatory remarks on Muslim women, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Haridwar rejected his bail application while affirming the contention of the prosecution  that “despite being issued a Section 41A CrPC notice in the past, he (Narsinghanand) is repeatedly making comments to incite communal passions and spoiling religious harmony/atmosphere through social media and there is a strong possibility of serious crimes being committed in the area.”

On December 28, 2021, Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) formally approached the National Commission for Minorities, seeking intervention regarding the hateful speeches made during the Dharam Sansad. CJP emphasized the need for urgent action to uphold communal harmony and protect minority rights, highlighting the failure of law enforcement to respond adequately to the incitement of hate. Following the Haridwar Dharam Sansad, the police faced significant criticism for their inaction in addressing the inflammatory rhetoric and hate speech that emerged from the event.

The persistent inaction of the police and the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) in addressing the hate speeches of Yati Narsinghanand is deeply troubling. Despite repeated complaints and repeated reminders on hate speech against the minorities, especially against Muslims, regarding derogatory remarks targeting Muslim Community and inflammatory statements made at events like the “Dharam Sansad,” authorities have failed to act decisively. This negligence not only emboldens hate speech but also endangers the livelihoods of the people from marginalised communities. CJP’s calls for unity and resistance against such divisive rhetoric highlighting the urgent need for a collective response from all Indians to uphold justice and communal harmony before it’s too late.

Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) has taken significant steps to counter the harmful influence of Dharm Sansad, CJP’s call to the majority in this country to speak up for their fellow Indians who follow other faiths. “A call to the comfortable majority in India”, stressed that we need to “Wake up, speak up, make a fist and let it rise in revolution to call for a new India where everyone has equal opportunity and nobody has to fall victim to hatred. It is our Duty as Indians, to speak up, before it is too late.”

CJP’s fight in countering Yati Narsinghanand’s Online Hate

Notably, on May 20, 2022, identifying the harmful impact of hate speech, particularly anti-minority and Islamophobic content, Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) took decisive action by filing a complaint with YouTube. CJP urged the platform to enforce its community guidelines, citing the inflammatory remarks of serial hate offender Yati Narsinghanand, which threaten communal harmony in India.

CJP cited the hate speech delivered by Yati Narsinghanand that was uploaded on YouTube on February 23, 2022 by channel Pavitr Sanatan, in which on being asked by a reporter if Muslims don’t belong in India, Yati said that, “the country of India is of Hindus only. Who are you in this? Who are you? On what basis are you asking this question? As a journalist or as a Muslim? If you are asking as a Muslim, then I want to tell you that you have taken your share by dividing the country. Took away double the share of the entire population. This India belongs to Hindus, should remain of Hindus and we want to make it a country of Hindus only.” 

Similarly, in another video cited by CJP in its complaint before YouTube, in which serial hate offender Yati Narsinghanand claiming that true secularism is synonymous with Hindus and labelling those who identify as secular as supporters of Islam. He further denounced Islam as a “cancer of the earth,” asserting that it poses a grave threat to society. Such rhetoric perpetuates hate and fuels communal division.

CJP’s relentless advocacy for curbing online hate resulted in a significant victory when YouTube responded on May 31, 2022, by removing six hate-filled videos that violated the platform’s Community Guidelines on Hate Speech. This decisive action by YouTube underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for their words, particularly when they threaten societal harmony. CJP’s efforts highlight the critical role of community vigilance in combating hate speech and promoting a safer, more inclusive online environment for all, reinforcing the message that hate will not be tolerated. In their response dated May 31, 2022 to CJP’s complaint, YouTube apprised Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) that they have taken cognisance of the accounts we had reported, and suspended six videos for violating YouTube’s Community Guidelines regarding Hate Speech.

In the complaint, CJP has informed YouTube that this is a violation of Sections 153 A, 153B, 295A, 298, 504 and 505 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The complaint also highlights the latest set of laws concerning social media intermediaries such as YouTube under the Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021, which requires the platforms like YouTube to exercise due diligence in terms of any content that is “defamatory, obscene, pornographic, paedophilic, invasive of another’s privacy, including bodily privacy, insulting or harassing on the basis of gender, libellous, racially or ethnically objectionable, relating or encouraging money laundering or gambling, or otherwise inconsistent with or contrary to the laws of India [Rules 3(1)(b)].”

Yati Narsinghanand’s Rhetoric and Meta’s Hate Speech Policy

As per Meta’s 3 Tier Community Standards on Hate Speech, the definition of hate speech encompasses direct attacks against individuals based on protected characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more. It includes violent or dehumanizing language, harmful stereotypes, and calls for exclusion. The guidelines also prohibit harmful stereotypes linked to historical violence and extend protections to refugees and migrants while allowing commentary on immigration policies. Additionally, slurs used to attack individuals based on these characteristics are banned, though content that critiques or raises awareness about such language may be permitted if the intent is clear. Overall, the policies aim to balance protection against hate speech with the allowance for critical dialogue

But in the case of Yati Narsinghanand’s hate speech, particularly through platforms like Facebook Live, raises critical concerns about the effectiveness of Meta’s three-tier community standards on hate speech. According to these guidelines, hate speech includes direct attacks on individuals based on protected characteristics such as religion, ethnicity, and gender identity, along with dehumanizing language and harmful stereotypes. Similarly, the social media giant X (formerly Twitter) also has a well-defined policy (April, 2023) on curbing hateful references, incitement, slurs and tropes, hateful imagery and hateful profile. X’s hateful conduct policy states that “you may not directly attack other people on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, caste, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, or serious disease.”

However, Narsinghanand’s inflammatory remarks targeting the Muslim community, especially during events like the Dharam Sansad, have gone viral without sufficient moderation, exposing a glaring failure in enforcement of Meta’s policy.

Yati Narsinghanand’s hate history is a disturbing testament to the dangers of divisive rhetoric. His inflammatory speeches have sparked violence, protests, and widespread outrage, earning him multiple cases and criticism from various groups but no action has been taken against him even now. By targeting Muslims and other communities, he is on the way to undermines India’s diverse religious fabric and promotes harmful stereotypes against Muslims and Islam. Narsinghanand’s actions demonstrate a clear intent to incite violence and create social unrest, posing a significant threat to national harmony under the protection of ‘saffronisation of politics by the ruling party in Centre and UP.

Related:

Yati Narsinghanand booked for comments about former president

CJP moves NCM against ‘Dharam Sansad’, calls for strict action

Yati Narsinghanand

The post Navigating Hate: A serial offender’s unchecked rhetoric in BJP’s Era appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Sharma’s posts, often riddled with Islamophobic slurs, disinformation, and calls to violence, have made him a polarising figure. While many applaud the repeated suspension of his account, calling it a step towards curbing hate speech online, critics argue that social media platforms like X have failed to permanently ban individuals like Sharma, allowing their platforms to become breeding grounds for dangerous ideologies.

His following, although controversial, remains loyal and vocal, amplifying his messages of bigotry across various corners of the internet, even during his suspensions. This digital army of followers, emboldened by Sharma’s provocations, perpetuates a toxic environment where minorities feel increasingly unsafe.

What makes Sharma’s case particularly alarming is the larger context it exists within. In an era where communal violence is on the rise and inflammatory rhetoric seems to seep into the mainstream, the continued presence of figures like him raises serious questions about the responsibility social media platforms have in curbing hate speech. Suspending accounts like Sharma’s temporarily may offer short-lived relief, but it does little to address the root of the problem: the ability of individuals to exploit digital spaces to further their agenda of hate.

It’s important to highlight that after the suspension of his main account, Deepak Sharma circumvented the ban by creating another account on X. Through this new account, he continued to post a stream of equally offensive, violent, and anti-Islamic content, further perpetuating his hateful rhetoric without pause. However, the said side account also got suspended today morning.

Another side account of Sharma’s, namely @sonofbharat7D was also suspended.

Who is Deepak Sharma?

Deepak Sharma, who claims to be an interior designer by profession, is far better known for his inflammatory, communal rhetoric than for any design work. Originally from Jaipur, Sharma has established himself as a prominent Hindu activist, though police records show he actually resides in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. He is the founder of the Rashtriya Swabhimaan Dal (RSD), an organisation that, according to him, is dedicated to defending Hinduism and safeguarding national interests.

Sharma first gained notoriety through a disturbing video in which he attacked a defenceless boy on camera for allegedly creating ‘memes’ that mocked Hindu gods and goddesses. In his defence, Sharma claimed the violent Facebook live stream was meant to “raise awareness.” His early online presence was marked by bizarre, sometimes incoherent statements that many found either amusing or baffling.

Sharma’s rise to internet fame began with an angry video where he defensively listed his academic qualifications—boasting of a degree in Microbiology, a Master’s in Interior Design, and an MBA in Interior Design Management—in response to critics who questioned his education. Ironically, this video led to a flood of memes mocking his comments on “secular Hindus” and his self-proclaimed achievements.

However, what began as eccentric behaviour on social media quickly took a darker turn. Sharma moved from being an online oddity to a figure inciting communal violence, leaving behind a disturbing trail of incidents that have further deepened the divide in an already polarised society.

Previous offensive statements made by Deepak Sharma

In 2018, CJP’s Hate Watch team conducted an analysis of Deepak Sharma’s disruptive actions and hate speeches in Uttar Pradesh, revealing the various personas he has adopted. Even then, his animosity towards Muslims was evident, reflecting the same level of hatred he displays today. Sharma has made headlines for attempting to perform Hindu prayers at the Taj Mahal, launching verbal attacks against Muslims in his video rants, and even dabbling in poetry that calls for “another Godhra.”

Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) was among the first to raise concerns about Deepak Sharma’s social media activities, flagging his profile to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on December 27, 2018. The report highlighted his biased, inflammatory posts, which were not only factually dubious but also deeply insensitive. CJP also filed a complaint with Facebook, which led to Sharma being banned from the platform. However, this did little to stop him. He repeatedly created new pages under different names, continuing to amass followers and incite similar hate.

Sharma has made shocking calls for the beheading of non-believers and openly expressed a desire for more incidents like the 2002 Godhra riots. His social media presence is rife with abusive, hate-filled posts, where he portrays himself as a “Nationalist!! Son of Bharat Mata!! Political Thinker” and proudly declares himself the founder of the Rashtriya Swabhiman Dal (RSD).

In 2021, Deepak Sharma ignited a storm of controversy with a provocative tweet, declaring, “अगर भोले के भक्त ‘तांडव’ पे उतरे तो वो तांडव तुमसे झेला न जाएगा – जिहादियों सहमत – RT,” which translates to, “If the devotees of Shiva begin the Tandav, or the dance of destruction, you jihadis (referring to Muslims) won’t be able to withstand it.” He then encouraged his followers to amplify this threat by retweeting it. The post garnered nearly 4,000 retweets and around 10,000 likes, signalling the alarming reach of his incendiary rhetoric.

Even more concerning were the 500 comments the tweet received, many of which called for the murder of Muslims, whom Sharma and his followers label as ‘jihadis.’ This tweet was part of a broader campaign by Sharma, in line with the right-wing agenda targeting the fictional web series Tandav, which had been accused of offending Hindu sentiments through its storyline. Sharma seized the controversy to push for what he described as an “anti-blasphemy” law, further stoking the flames of communal discord. His calls for violence and intolerance highlight the dangerous intersection of social media influence and hate-driven agendas.

Far from being a mere provocateur, Sharma has turned full-time hate-mongering into his profession. He joined Twitter in February 2020 and rapidly built a large following. His account has consistently featured hateful and abusive content, often drawing support from BJP MLA T Raja, a habitual hate speech offender himself.

A profile on his hateful propaganda may be watched here.

Here is a video by CJP explaining how he has misused Facebook as a platform.

It is essential to highlight here that Deepak Sharma’s Facebook account is still there, though the last post on it was made in the year 2022. It contains a similar type of anti-Muslim vitriolic as is there on his other social media accounts.

A particularly telling reflection on Sharma had then come from the mother of Shivam Vashisht, one of his associates who tragically died in an accident. She expressed her disdain for Sharma, stating, “He is a traitor; he profited off my son’s name after his death… I had no idea he was such a lowlife.” This sentiment underscores the damaging impact Sharma has had on those around him, further highlighting the depths of his exploitation and the real-world consequences of his hateful rhetoric. (A video on the same may be viewed here.)

Inaction on complaints made against Sharma for his offensive statements

CJP also lodged a complaint with the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) after Sharma made derogatory comments about Allah in an audio chat room on the social app ‘Clubhouse.’ During this session, Sharma launched into a vulgar tirade about the anatomy and biology of Allah, remarks so offensive that they cannot be repeated in print. In June 2021, CJP submitted a screen recording of this audio chatroom to the NCM, highlighting Sharma’s offensive comments in a room titled Mahadev ko gaali India mein legal (Translation: Insulting Mahadev is legal in India). The complaint stressed how Sharma has been exploiting social media platforms to gain followers, despite his deeply questionable credentials.

CJP’s complaint to the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) had also exposed how the Uttar Pradesh police have been accommodating several of Deepak Sharma’s requests, filing First Information Reports (FIRs) against social media users for allegedly joking about the “Shivling,” a revered symbol in Hinduism. These jokes emerged after claims surfaced that a “Shivling” was discovered in the compound of the Gyanvapi mosque, although mosque authorities contend that it was simply part of an old, defunct fountain. This “Shivling” versus fountain narrative fuelled a wave of humour on Twitter, prompting Sharma to take it upon himself to report individuals who participated in the jokes.

In a series of tweets, Sharma had not only shared screenshots of these posts but also identified users, effectively reporting them to the police and instructing law enforcement on how to respond. He then celebrated his “victories” as FIRs were filed against those he had singled out, particularly targeting Muslim users.

What was particularly shocking is that the Uttar Pradesh police had allegedly permitted Sharma to instigate these criminal complaints. They had responded with remarkable speed to his grievances regarding a few jokes, while completely neglecting to take action against Sharma himself, despite his blatant human rights violations and his inflammatory rhetoric aimed at inciting communal discord and outrage among Muslim minorities. This disparity highlights a disturbing trend in which law enforcement appears to be complicit in targeting individuals for exercising their right to free expression while ignoring the hate speech propagated by figures like Sharma.

Notably, in response to the complaint sent by CJP, the NCM took up the issue. In a letter dated July 29, 2022, the Commission directed the Superintendent of Police in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, to investigate the matter and provide a detailed report on Sharma’s activities. 

Series of suspensions, series of accounts

It’s important to highlight that before the suspension of his most recent account, Deepak Sharma had a previous “main” Twitter handle, @TheDeepak2020, which was suspended in 2022 following mass reporting. This account, like his others, was notorious for spreading hateful content and inciting violence, particularly against Muslim communities. The suspension came as a result of widespread outcry, with users reporting his posts for promoting communal tensions and violating Twitter’s policies on hate speech.

However, Sharma’s pattern of creating new accounts after each suspension reveals a troubling loophole in the enforcement mechanisms of social media platforms. Despite repeated violations, Sharma has been able to re-emerge under different guises, circumventing bans and continuing to build a substantial following. This ongoing cycle of suspensions followed by new accounts points to a larger issue: the failure of platforms like Twitter to permanently de-platform habitual offenders who misuse the space to incite hate.

The ease with which Sharma has managed to return time and again not only undermines the effectiveness of social media policies but also emboldens others like him. Each suspension may temporarily silence him, but the absence of more stringent measures allows him to regroup and resume his campaign of hate, once again mobilising his supporters. This cycle raises serious concerns about the platforms’ accountability in preventing the spread of communal violence and hate speech in digital spaces. 

The disturbing influence of Deepak Sharma: A catalyst for communal hatred in society

Deepak Sharma exemplifies a shameless purveyor of hatred within our society, leveraging social media platforms to amplify his vitriolic messages. His history of inflammatory rhetoric reveals a consistent pattern of targeting minorities, particularly Muslims, under the guise of “Hindutva activism”. Despite numerous suspensions from social media for his hateful speech, he persists in creating new accounts, circumventing bans while continuing to mobilise supporters around a deeply divisive agenda.

From his early days of instigating violence by physically assaulting a young boy over memes to his calls for the beheading of non-believers, Sharma’s actions reflect a disturbing disregard for the values of tolerance and respect that are essential in a diverse society. His inflammatory comments surrounding sensitive issues, such as the alleged discovery of a “Shivling” at the Gyanvapi mosque, serve to incite communal tensions rather than foster dialogue.

Sharma’s audacity is further exemplified by his attempts to monetise tragedy, as evidenced by the accusations from the mother of his associate, who criticised him for profiting off her son’s death. This exploitation of personal loss underscores a deeper moral bankruptcy, revealing how Sharma shamelessly capitalises on suffering to perpetuate his hateful narrative.

Moreover, his interactions with law enforcement raise alarming questions about complicity and accountability. CJP’s reports indicate that the Uttar Pradesh police have acted swiftly on his complaints against individuals joking about religious symbols while ignoring the hate speech he spews. This selective enforcement emboldens Sharma, allowing him to continue his campaign of hatred with impunity.

In a time when society grapples with issues of communal harmony and respect for diversity, Deepak Sharma stands as a stark reminder of the dangerous consequences of unchecked hatred and the critical need for collective action against such divisive forces. His relentless efforts to spread animosity not only threaten the fabric of social cohesion but also pose a significant challenge to the principles of justice and equality that should guide our society.

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The post Suspended again: Deepak Sharma’s relentless cycle of hate across multiple social media accounts appeared first on SabrangIndia.

CJP in its complaints urges Rajasthan Police to register FIR against the Swami and Durga Vahini. Swami through his speech delivered in Jodhpur on June 8, 2024, propagated the fake conspiracy theory of Ghazwa-e-Hind about Muslim Citizens. During his speech he publicly urges people to carry arms/weapons. While referring Muslim citizens as responsible for population rise, he gave false information and gave fake figures by accusing Muslim citizens for the population growth. He gave derogatory statements against the Madrassas and Mosques and narrated them as a store of arms/weapons. Swami in his entire speech constantly accused and blamed Muslim citizens as responsible for illegal population growth and narrated them as land encroached while referring to fake and self-generated figures in public and on the other hand speech delivered by a member of Durga Vahini in Ajmer on June 7, also propagated in its speech the fake conspiracy theory of love jihad with deliberate intention to disturb the long-standing harmony of this country. The members of Durga Vahini openly delivered communal statements and attempted to create communal tensions between different communities.

Complaint against Swami Sachidanand (Serial Hate Offender) on July 16, 2024:

On July 16, 2024, CJP in its complaint filed before the Superintendence of Police and District Magistrate Jodhpur mentioned that Swami being the habitual offender attempts to provoke other citizens against the Muslims Citizens on grounds of Religion and fake propagated theory. Swami’s speech is clearly against the peace and tranquillity by spreading hatred and promoting enmity on grounds of religion and promoting use of arms/weapons. This is not the first time that Swami Sachidanand has delivered such a communal and inflammatory speech. We at CJP, have regularly tracked the speeches that had been made by him during 2023-24.

It is pertinent to highlight here that in the month of December in 2019, in a video on the social media in which Swami Sachidanand said Islam and Christianity as the top enemies of Hinduism and urged for social and economic boycott of Muslims. During his address at an event held in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, the Far-right saint advocated for a social and economic boycott of Muslims. “There are four enemies of yours. First Islam, second – Christianity.

Similarly, In May 2024, he again delivered communal hate speech in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Swami in his speech attempts to create hatred and enmity between citizens and propagated fake Nai (Barbour) Jihad, love jihad and urged peoples to boycott Muslim shopkeepers and Muslim tenants. Again, on May 11, 2024, Swami Sachidanand delivered hate speech against Muslims on grounds of fake propagated theory of love jihad and land jihad. In his speech he also accused Muslim women.

It is important to note that on July 12, 2024, CJP has also filed a complaint to the Superintendence of Police and District Magistrate, Mainpuri (Uttar Pradesh) against the communal speech delivered by Preacher Swami Sachidanand targeting Muslims and Christians for their religion. The said speech had been delivered by Swami Sachidanand on June 3, 2024 in Bainsroli, Mainpuri (U.P.). Through his speech he propagated false conspiracy theory about against the Muslims and Christians. The contents of the speech given by Swami attracts prosecution under Sections 196 (Promoting enmity on grounds of religion), 197 (1), 299 (Malicious act to insult a religion), 352 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 353 (Statements conducing to public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The Complaint can be read here:

CJP Complaint against Durga Vahini (VHP’s Women Wing):

CJP complaint against the Durga Vahini filed on July 23, 2024 for the spreading communal hatred against the Muslim Citizens and peddling anti-Muslim love jihad theory by the members of Durga Vahini (VHP’s Women Wing) on June 7, 2024 in Ajmer, Rajasthan. As per the details available, the member of the Durga Vahini delivered communal hate speech and promoted enmity on ground of religious identity in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Through her speech, Durga Vahini member in the video is seen as attempting to propagate a fake conspiracy theory of love jihad and with deliberate intention to disturb the long-standing harmony of this country. The members of Durga Vahini openly spreading hatred and attempted to create communal tensions.

CJP dispatched complaints to the Superintendent of Police (SPs) and District Magistrate (DMs), Ajmer and Jodhpur urging prompt action that the inflammatory and divisive speech delivered by Swami Sachidanand amounts to insightful and provocative. CJP has urged mandatory registration of FIR in incidents of Hate Speeches in compliance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s Order dated April 28, 2023, in which the division bench of Justice KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna in Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay v. Union of India [W.P. (C) No. 943 of 2021], directed all States/UTs to register Suo moto FIR against Hate Speech irrespective of religion. The court added that when any speech or any action takes place which attracts offences such as Section 153A, 153B and 295A and 505 of the IPC etc., suo moto action will be taken to register cases even if no complaint is forthcoming and proceed against the offenders in accordance with law.

Most crucially, we have also invoked the binding judicial orders of the Supreme Court in the Shaheen Abdullah vs Union of Indian (Writ Petition (Civil) 940/2022) which mandate the police to suo moto register cases in incidents of hate speeches, as per law. With this substantive background and facts, CJP urged Maharashtra police to take action as per sections 196, 197 (1), 352 and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and any other provisions of law, as deemed necessary by the police.

The Complaint can be read here:

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CJP files complaint before Maharashtra Police against serial hate offender Kajal Hindustani

The post CJP filed complaints to Raj Police against serial hate offender Swami Sachidanand and Durga Vahini appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The vendor has claimed that the name of the shop was Lakshmi because he was renting the shop from a Hindu landlord.

In #Uttarakhand‘s #Dehradun, a #Muslim fruit vendor on Thursday harassed for naming his shop “Lakshmi.”

A group of miscreants led by #Hindutva leader Radha Semwal Dhoni created ruckus outside his shop.

The vendor said that he was renting the shop from a #Hindu landlord. pic.twitter.com/VCSMivDs0P

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) April 25, 2024

In June 2023, Radha Semwal Dhoni once again made headlines for targeting Muslim traders in a live stream on Facebook. In this livestream, she shot three men casually sipping tea and asked about their names and place of origin. She then went on to ask them to show their identification documents. She snatches their documents from them and shows them to the camera, she also finds a rental certificate, and tried to portray that these men had ‘invaded’ into their villages by renting accommodations from locals for a sum of money and stated, “They have invaded our villages now and for some thousand rupees these villagers are giving them places on rent. Now I will have to complain against them, or we will have to send their bahu-beti with them.”

She singled out one of the men, accusing him of lying about his place of origin. She demanded to see what he was selling and repeatedly asserted that he had lied to her about where he was from. When he attempted to explain, Radha threatened him by saying, “I will push you off this ledge if you lie to me”.

Describing herself as a ‘sanatani’, Semwal has over 31,000 followers on her Instagram page. She has claimed herself as the ‘protector of Uttarakhand which is a land of gods.’ Dhoni is known for proudly sharing videos of her confrontations with minorities on her Facebook profile. Her tactics reportedly include targeting small-scale Muslim traders, particularly hawkers. Additionally, she has uploaded videos claiming that mazaars (Muslim shrines) across Uttarakhand are illegal and have encroached upon government lands. She has consistently made efforts to portray the idea that Hindus are under attack in the country.

Sabrang India reported last year in February 2023, about a disturbing video which surfaced on social media showing the verbal and physical abuse of three Christians in Jhajra district of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The video shows Radha Semwal Dhoni, a leader of a Hindutva group, verbally abusing and physically assaulting the Christians, accusing them of forcefully converting people.

In the video, Dhoni can be seen thrashing the young men while hurling accusations of religious conversion against them. Semwal was even videotaping the entire incident and did not seem to have any sense of apprehension when the police arrived and enquired about the situation. The police on arrival even seem to question the group of Christians as Semwal tells the officials that the Christians men need to be taken to the police station. Further, she also stated that she will also accompany the police in taking the men to the station and will submit their mobile phones too for evidence.

According to a report by The Quint, she has blamed the BJP for not doing ‘enough.’ She has also, as per the report, attacked Hindus dairy farmers as well, accusing them too of cow slaughter. “Look at this, Hindus are now taking cows to be killed. This isn’t Afghanistan.”

Related:

Radha Semwal Dhoni physically assaults three Christians and accuses them of forcing children to convert to Christianity

U’khand: Hate offender Radha Semwal doxes Muslim traders in live stream on Facebook

Radha Semwal Dhoni: Emerging far right menace in Uttarakhand

Hindutva slogans soar in Leicester, has communal hatred been exported overseas?

The post Repeated hate offender, Radha Semwal Dhoni harasses Muslim vegetable vendor appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Six people have been asked to come to the police station after they submitted complaints regarding the events at Mira Road after the BJP MLAs Nitesh Rane and Geeta Jain made reportedly provocative statements. The police have asked them to submit proof of their claims, as per a report by Times Today. A written complaint had been filed earlier by more than a dozen residents of Mira Road with Vilas Supe, the senior PI of the Naya Nagar Police Station. The residents are asking for the registration of a FIR, an unbiased investigation, and legal action against Geeta Jain and Nitesh Rane.

On February 3, the citizens approached the senior police inspector. According to local residents, the senior PI accepted the complaint with some reluctance and provided an acknowledgment after conversing with them.

Sabrang India spoke to Sadique Basha, activist and citizen on ground, who stated that they have gotten a message from police to get proof, “Yes I got a message from the police. They have called us on February 21st and want us to get proof of the incidents regarding my complaint.”

The complaint detailed that on January 22, a gathering of motorcycles with saffron flags assembled in Naya Nagar, Mira Road, arrived with the purpose of creating fear. Following this, despite security measures by the police, incidents of vandalism and violence continued. The complaint details how the situation was worsened by the hate speech and inflammatory language by elected representatives, especially MLA Geeta Jain. The signatories of the complaint include Sadique Basha, Adv. Sanjay Pande, ⁠Sukhdev Banbanci, ⁠Saboor Ansari, Jhulmi Ram Yadav (Writer), ⁠Vinod Chand and ⁠Saroja Rajeshwari.

Geeta Jain and Nitesh Rane were seen urging for a Hindutva rally at the Mira Road residential area after the place was hit with anti-Muslim violence. Jain was even seen giving police an ultimatum. Furthermore, a report by The Wire has also revealed that when Rane came to Mira Road after the violence, he gave a press conference at the police commissioner’s office which was restricted to media personnel who were Hindutva supporters only. In the conference, he made various anti-Muslim statements and urged the Hindu community to ‘retaliate’, as per the report. The report also stated that another set of violence broke out after Rane’s speech where several Muslims were injured and arson and vandalism took place.

Meanwhile, earlier today the Muslim police issued notice under section 148 of the CrPC to AIMIM party spokesperson and former MLA from Byculla Waris Pathan, according to his X account he has now stated that he has been “illegally” arrested by the Mira-Bhayandar police. He has reportedly been on his way to meet the Police Commissioner to submit a memorandum against those who have given hateful speeches. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has called the action by the authorities in the area as “one-sided.”

Despite being almost a month since the violence at Mira Road took place, the atmosphere refuses to calm down. Another BJP leader, now all the way from Telangana, wants to come and hold a ‘sabha’ at the tense neighbourhood. Telangana MLA T Raja Singh, who is notorious for giving anti-Muslim hate speeches, has stated that he is going to take out a rally in the Mira Road area on February 25. Telangana BJP MLA T Raja Singh has cancelled his Mira Road visit. He was going to plan it earlier on February 19, but now has postponed it for the 25th of the month. He has stated to his viewers, “Chalo, let’s introduce people to our power on the 25th”, and has requested the police to not delay granting permission for the gathering.

Sadique Basha has further stated civil society in the area is also going to file a complaint to not let T Raja Singh enter the vicinity, and the people are hoping the police doesn’t allow him. He further seems to share little hope that the Singh will be prevented from reaching the tense neighbourhood, “Considering that Nitesh Rane came and gave a media address from inside the commissioners’ office, where the police give address the media, people are­ seeing this and think that the rally might happen. We are going to draft a complaint in this regard, and further approach the courts if our complaint is not accepted.”

Related: 

Conduct Fair Inquiry, take action against MLAs Geeta Jain and Nitesh Rane: Citizens of Mira Road-Bhayandar

Mira Road: Muslim youth allegedly beaten in custody, denied food as Nitesh Rane tells supporters, “The Government is with you.”

Mira Road remains tense after violence outbreak

The post Mumbai: Hate offender, T Raja Singh plans to come to Mira Road, as citizens file a complaint against politicians who stoked hate appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Civil society groups have agitated and written to authorities about his hate speech made in June, 2023. Many people from Satara, especially from marginalised groups, who faced the violence have even called for his arrest, claiming he played an instrumental role in the September 2023 Satara violence which led to violent attacks on Muslim property, mosques, and even led to one young Muslim man being murdered and several others injured and arrested.

However, even prior to the Satara anti-Muslim violence, which took place in August and September 2023, Pawaskar’s right-wing, anti-Muslim proclivities have been widely observed and are documented.

April, 2023

Satara seems to have been a targeted location for igniting communal flare-ups way before the violence in August and September took place. In April 2023, a number of organisations, including the BJP and other Hindutva outfits, came together in their demand for strict action against officials in Satara district, Maharashtra for not dealing strictly with the “construction of an allegedly illegally constructed mosque in Phaltan, Satara”.

During the press conference, Pawaskar called for the demolition of the mosque in accordance with the state government’s “orders”. Pawaskar also stated that unless the Satara district administration promptly suspended the officers in question and initiated an inquiry, and unless the illegal construction was dismantled within a month, they would proceed with the construction of a Maruti (Hanuman) Temple just in front of the mosque! H also “warned” that if any violence or controversy erupts over this issue, then this would be the responsibility of the administration.

June 2023

According to Sabrang India, on June 2, a gathering was arranged by Shiv Pratisthan Hindustan in Islampur. During this event, in the presence of police officers, Vikram Pawaskar made an incendiary speech that had anti-Muslim sentiments. He mentioned historical figures such as Tipu Sultan, and made derogatory comments about their lineage. Additionally, he also made remarks about the so-called bogey of “love jihad” as he called for unity among Hindus and also asserted that India should become a Hindu Rashtra.

“इस्लामपूर मध्ये एखाद्या भाभी च्या पोटामध्ये अफझलखान सारखी औलाद, औरंग्यासारखी औलाद ज्यांचा बाप टिपू सुलतान आहे या इस्लामपूर मध्ये अश्या टिपू सुलतान सारखी औलाद किंवा परवा आपल्या ताईला कश्या पद्धतीने मारलं दिल्लीमध्ये त्या लांड्यासारखी औलाद जर जन्म घेत असेल तर त्याच ठिकाणी मेली पाहिजे. छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज कि जय. जय भवानी जय शिवाजी. जय श्री राम, जय श्री राम, जय श्री राम. १००% मरणार. परंतु हे भगवाध्वज आपल्या सर्वांचे श्रद्धास्थान छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज, आपल्या सर्वांचे प्रेरणास्थान परमपूज्य.

The video may be viewed here:

Translation: In Islampur, a childlike Afzal Khan, a childlike Aurangya, whose father is Tipu Sultan, in Islampur, a childlike Tipu Sultan in Ishwarpur, or how Parva killed his father the other day, if a child like that lady in Delhi is born, then it should die there. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai. Jai Bhawani Jai Shivaji. Jai Shri Ram, Jai Shri Ram, Jai Shri Ram. 100% will die. But this saffron flag is the place of worship of all of us, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the inspiration of all of us.”

He further spoke, “आपल्या मुलींना, आपल्या बहिणींना पळवलं जात आणि लव्ह-जिहाद च शिकार केलं जात. हिंदू धर्मातील स्त्री-धन नष्ट व्हावं, अश्या दृष्टिकोनातून जिहादी लोक प्रयत्न करत आहेत. त्यांना सडेतोड उत्तर आपण सर्वजणांनी मिळून दिल पाहिजे. वर्ण जाती विसरून जाऊ, हिंदू सारे एक होऊ. हिंदू धर्मातील जाती भेद बाजूला ठेवून छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराजांची, धर्मवीर संभाजी महाराजांच्या रक्तगटाची पिढी निर्माण व्हावी त्यासाठी प्रत्येकाने प्रयत्न केला पाहिजे. तो जर प्रयत्न आपण केला नाही तर मला अस वाटतंय कि २०४७ साली जी हि लांडी ओरडत्यात कि आम्ही इस्लामिक देश करणार आहे तर त्या दृष्टीने १००% ते वाटचाल करत आहेत. मला तुम्हाला प्रश्न विचारायचा आहे भारत हा हिंदुराष्ट्र झाला पाहिजे का नाही?

श्रोते :- झाला पाहिजे.

आवाज येत नाही.

श्रोते :- झाला पाहिजे.

भारत हा हिंदुराष्ट्र झालाच पाहिजे. हिंदू राष्ट्र होता, आहे आणि होणारच आहे. हि अशी मारणार नाही. मला असा वाटतंय कि येणाऱ्या काळामध्ये त्यांच्यावर आपल्याला बहिष्कार टाकला पाहिजे. बहिष्कार म्हणजे काय तर ज्याच्या कपाळी टिळा त्याच्याशीच व्यवहार पाळा. ज्याच्या कपाळी नाही टिळा त्याच्याशी व्यवहार टाळा. प्रत्येक इस्लामपूर मधील माता भगिनी असतील.

Translation: Our daughters, our sisters are abducted and hunted for love-jihad. Jihadists are trying to destroy women and wealth in Hinduism. We should all give them a comprehensive answer. Let’s forget caste and caste, all Hindus will be united. Caste differences in Hinduism should be kept aside, everyone should try to create a generation of the blood group of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj. If we don’t make that effort, I think that in 2047, those who are shouting that we are going to make an Islamic country, they are 100% moving in that direction. I want to ask you a question whether India should become Hindu Rashtra or not?”

The audience roared with a loud affirmative, to which Pawaskar replied, “India must become Hindu Rashtra. Hindu Rashtra was, is and will be. She will not kill like this. I think we should boycott them in future. What is Boycott, then deal only with the one whose forehead is black. Avoid dealing with a person who has no forehead. Every mother from Islampur will be sister.”

In the aftermath of this speech by Pawaskar at Islampur, numerous concerned citizens and civil society organisations, including Dhanaji Gurav, B. G. Patil, Digvijay Patil, Shakir Tamboli, Shahaji Patil, had come together demanding for urgent legal action and a thorough investigation into these incendiary remarks made by Vikram Pawaskar and the organisers of the event held by Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan in Islampur.

They argue that Vikram Pawaskar made inflammatory statements that had the potential to create and lead to social discord, fuel communal animosity, and further create religious divisions in society. Citizens have submitted a formal memorandum/petition to Police Inspector Shashikant Chavan and have further observed and highlighted the fact that despite the speech and programme being held in front of hundreds of citizens and law enforcement officers, no legal case has been filed against Vikram Pawaskar or the event’s organisers, even after a lapse of eight days.

The memorandum was filed on the basis of the fact that the Supreme Court has in an ongoing hate speech case, emphasised on existing statutory requirements, underlining that the police are required under law and guidelines, to keep a ‘close watch’ on any such instances of hate speech. In fact, and when, consequences to hate speech (read violence) do occur, then the SC had underlined that the police should take action against the perpetrators.

Quoting these SC directives, citizens have demanded that these should all be implemented in the case of Pawaskar or they would themselves take the case to the Supreme Court. The Shiv Pratisthan Hindustan is an organisation known for its hardline Hindutva orientation. It is an organisation that is also associated with Sambhaji (Manohar) Bhide. What gives even more cause for alarm is that a complaint was registered and sent to the Supreme Court highlighting Pawaskar’s hate speech and the inaction of the local police, lawyer Shakir Tamboli from Satara informed Sabrangindia. However, this complaint was returned back to the sender. 

August 2023

In August, 2023, Vikram Pawaskar made the following statement according to a local report in तरुण भारत, “Everyone should plant a Bhagwa flag.”

August-September, 2023

Pusesevali in Maharashtra’s Satara district became the scene of violence. The violence was triggered by “anti-Hindu (Shivaji Maharaj)” social media posts. The violence led to one dead and several injured.

Residents and leaders in the area have assert that Hindutva groups, allegedly with the backing of a BJP leader, intentionally targeted the predominantly Muslim locality. As for the contentious posts allegedly posted by Muslim youth which led to the violence, their veracity is questionable. In fact, an earlier post of August 2023, attributed to a young Muslim youth was later found by the Satara police itself to have been the handiwork of a third party who had hacked into the Instagram account of the young Muslim who was even wrongfully jailed for this! Sabrangindia had, on September 15, reported from a press conference held in Mumbai on the Satara violence. According to journalist Parth MN, Pawaskar was even present just a few days before the violence at the home of one of the people who are accused of having led the attack against Muslims in Satara.

This was told to police by one Muslim survivor who was heavily injured, according to Parth MN. He also stated that when the attack was going on, one of the accused was heard to have said, “No landya (abusive term for Muslims) should be left alive tonight. Vikram Pawaskar has our back. Don’t show mercy,”

Just a few days before the Hindutva mob attacked Muslims in Pusesavali, BJP leader Vikram Pawaskar had held a meeting at the residence of one of the accused, according to the statement.

— Parth MN (@parthpunter) September 20, 2023

A fact finding report by the Centre for the Study of Society and Secularism also found that attackers in the mob were shouting, “Vikram Pawaskar ne bola hai ki ek bhi landya ko zinda nahi rakhna” during the attack on the mosque which had about 14 Muslims present in the building when the attack took place.

However, following the violence, when Pawaskar’s name started circulating as the man responsible for the incitement against Muslims, Hindutva outfits in the region threatened that they would indulge in public demonstration if any action was to be taken against Pawaskar, according to The Wire. According to the report, Vinayak Pawaskar (Vikram’s father) even stated that, “If you try to malign our religion, we will retaliate,” Vinayak Pawaskar said at a press conference.”

Related:

File a criminal case against Vikram Pavaskar, Shiv Pratisthan Hindustan demand citizens and social organisations

Pay compensation to Nurul Hasan Shikalgar’s family, order independent judicial inquiry: Satara Citizens to Maharashtra Govt

Muslims, victims of targeted violence in Pusesavali, Satara: Fact-finding report

11 educational institutions target of organised Hindutva mobs in in Kolhapur: Fact-finding team

UP: Muslim man dies after he was beaten by a mob following a bike accident

The post Hate Offender: BJP state VP, Vikram Pawaskar uses abuse and intimidation against Satara’s Muslims, wants “Hindu Rashtra” appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The Telangana elections for 119 assembly constituencies will be held in four phases from November 3-15, 2023 and the Model Code of Conduct therefore came into effect on October 9. The letter drafted by Singh to Garba organisers has been reported on October 14.

Singh is known for being a frequent hate offender. According to news reports, he has around 100 and counting cases against him. However, the BJP has once again given him a party ticket to defend his Ghoshamahal constituency in Hyderabad.

The model code of conduct in anticipation of the Telangana assembly elections came into effect on October 9. Amongst other things, the MCC emphasises on the need to maintain communal harmony and refrain from making caste and communal comments. However, despite the MCC being set up in force in the state, the MLA was witnessed on camera allegedly making hate speeches. Though the erstwhile MLA’s defence on the issue (last year) when he was suspended was that “he only criticises Owaisi” but this is seen as criticising all Muslims, this is not borne out by a slew of hate speeches consistently and regularly made by him where it is Islam, Prophet Muhammed and Muslims who are a target.

This month, as people lay in anticipation for celebration of the festival of Garba, several videos of him have been circulating on social media in which he is seen urging Garba event organisers in Hyderabad to remain vigilant about the alleged entry of non-Hindus during the upcoming Navaratri celebrations.

According to one report, he has sent a letter to ten garba organisers in Hyderabad. The Goshamahal constituency MLA who was “suspended by the BJP” over his comments on the Prophet, had called for the restriction of entry to these Garba events exclusively to Hindus, citing concerns about the so-called ‘Love Jihad’ bogey and has expressed his concern for the ‘safety of Hindu girls’. Singh also has reportedly written that even the staff, including DJ’s caterers, bouncers, musicians, and lighting personnel etc., should not be from a non-Hindu community and thus, they should not be permitted near the Garba pandals.

Along with this letter to groups in Hyderbad, Singh visited Surat, Gujarat and gave the following speech at an event reportedly organised by Sanatani Sena on October 16, 2023, Singh made the following speech, “But, our garba and dandiya are being eyed by some people, some anti-Dharma people, which we should be vigilant about. Whose programme or temple is this? All are Hindu here right?’ The crowd replies yes. ‘Then what are ‘ghair-Hindus’ doing here? Do we ever go to their programmes? But these people run a conspiracy by donning the tilak, wearing the Kalawa, and come and make our sisters and daughters victims of ‘Love Jihad.”

Location: Surat, Gujarat

Organizer: Sanatani Sena

Telangana legislator T Raja Singh advocates violence against Muslims participating in Dandiya/Garba events. pic.twitter.com/ehBUWyEcYI

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) October 18, 2023

These two of his recent speeches were published on social media on October 18, 2023.

In another similar event in Surat Gujarat from October 17, 2023, talking about the ‘aashirwaad given by his Gujarati brothers’, he reportedly made once more communally charged speech.

In another event in Surat, he repeated similar calls for violence while peddling anti-Muslim conspiracy theories. pic.twitter.com/RLpJIwtr7d

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) October 18, 2023

Furthermore, in his written appeal to event organisers, Raja Singh has also spoken about the alleged rise in ‘Love Jihad’ cases that have exclusively, according to him, occurred at these Garba events. In this vein, he has in his letter urged event organisers to take stringent measures, including requiring attendees to apply a tilak at the entrance and verifying their identity with Aadhaar cards before granting access.

The charged letter also stipulates that people other than Hindus should be denied entry to the Garba pandals. Additionally, Singh warned that a group of 100 ‘karyakartas’ will be present at the event with valid tickets, warning that people should take necessary preventive ‘steps’, “A team of 100 Hindu karyakartas will be present in your event with valid tickets and if any such entry (of Love Jihadis) is noticed, they will take necessary steps to prevent it (which in turn may spoil your event). So, please ensure that only Hindus are permitted to attend your event so that it is a success for you as well.”

This image with Singh’s directions on celebration of the Hindu festival Garba was shared by a seemingly right-wing, pro-BJP account called Kreatively. The caption for the photo was ‘Are you being vigilant, Telangana?’ These guidelines in the letter by Singh is similar to the speeches he had given in Surat earlier this month.

Do Singh’s statements affect peace and harmony?

What is further worrying that on Monday, October 18, an alleged ‘ruckus’ arose in Hyderabad at a garba event. Reports allege that the Bajrang Dal created an issue that a Muslim man had entered the celebrations to engage in ‘love jihad’ at the annual Navkar Navratri Utsav at the Begumpet Hockey Stadium in Hyderabad. According to Siasat.com, a video was circulated of the mob at the event by BJP’s legal cell member, Advocate Neelam Bhargava Ram, who even referenced T Raja Singh in his statement on X. The man accosted by the mob was allegedly handed to the police. However, when Siasat.com reached out to the Begumpet police station, they said no such man has been handed over to them. The organisers of the event have stated that there is strong possibility a business rivalry against them which is why their event was targeted.

What of his suspension from the party?

New reports arrived late Saturday evening that the suspension of Singh by the BJP might be revoked soon. Singh had been suspended from the party after he had made remarks against the Prophet, which had led to protests. Many social media users uploaded videos celebrating his reinstatement.

Suspension of T Raja Singh revoked by BJP!pic.twitter.com/meMfFeeM80

— Kreately.in (@KreatelyMedia) October 21, 2023

And on Sunday, the BJP released a statement attesting to the same. The party released a statement which stated that Singh’s reply and explanation was ‘considered by the committee’, on the basis of which they have revoked his suspension. According to Deccan Chronicle, The party’s state president G. Kishan Reddy said, “The decision was taken after the committee considered his explanation to the show cause notice served on him.” According to ANI, Singh had earlier expressed confidence that he would contest and win from the Ghoshamahal constituency again on a BJP ticket.

The party also released its final list for the upcoming Telangana elections which will be held on November 30th 2023, which featured Singh contesting from the Ghoshamahal constituency once again.

BJP releases the first list of candidates for the upcoming Assembly Elections in Telangana.

Party MPs Soyam Bapu Rao fielded from Boath, Arvind Dharmapuri from Koratla and Bandi Sanjay Kumar from Karimnagar.

T Raja Singh to contest from Goshamahal. pic.twitter.com/IkghIilEpM

— ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2023

Singh, seen with garlands and a resounding smile, spoke to ANI stating the following, “MLA T Raja Singh says, “Goshamahal Assembly constituency comes under Hyderabad Parliamentary constituency. The MP is Asaduddin Owaisi who is anti-national. I am the MLA from here and I defeated one of his men to become one. Asaduddin Owaisi used to sell Muslim votes to Congress. He now sells votes to BRS. He is a businessman. In the time to come, I will keep winning from here and give a reply to the anti-nationals.”

Meanwhile, Hyderabad MLA Asaduddin Owaisi took to X to make his observation on the matter.

.@narendramodi has rewarded his dear “fringe element.” Quite sure that Nupur Sharma will also get her blessings from the PM. Hate speech is the fastest way to a promotion in Modi’s BJP https://t.co/Qky6RlObH8

— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) October 22, 2023

Observers have stated that Singh being reinstated to the party comes in light as the list for the candidates for the upcoming Telangana assembly polls is likely to be announced soon. According to a report by The News Minute, several party leaders had stated way before the list released that they were expecting to see his name in the list once again; his followers too have been demanding that he be reinstated to the party. Singh was suspended from the party on the day when Hyderabad witnessed widespread protests after he repeated the offensive comments which were made by former BJP spokesperson, Nupur Sharma, regarding the Prophet. Sharma’s derogatory statements had ignited a fierce controversy across the Middle East as well as India.

According to the suspension letter issued by the part last August, 2022, the reason for his suspension was cited as ‘Rule XXV’ of the party’s constitution, which says that the ‘parliamentary board’ … ‘has the authority to take note of any breach of discipline by members.’ However, it did specify the event or statement which was breached. Following this, writing a response from jail, last August 2022, to the show cause notice issued to him in this regard, Singh had written to secretary of the BJP disciplinary committee Om Pathak that he had ‘never criticised Muslims’, and he was only imitating comedian Munawar Farooqui, according to Scroll.in.

While Singh had made comments on Farooqui’s show on August 20th 2022 he made derogatory comments on the Prophet on August 22, 2022. Furthermore, there is no mention of the video Singh released after the Nupur Sharma row wherein he made derogatory comments about the Prophet as she had.

After the video made rounds on social media, a crowd had gathered outside the Hyderabad police commissioner’s office and demanded Singh’s arrest after which he was arrested. This really begets the question as to why BJP is retaining a member who has repeatedly called for violence, especially against minorities. However, contrary to having concern over Singh’s violent speeches, Singh appears as more of a ‘star campaigner’ for the BJP, especially because he has won the constituency in Ghoshamahal twice previously. Singh has also been reported over the year to have made hate speech across the country.

Earlier this month, in Rajasthan too, Singh had made an incendiary speech at an event which even saw the presence of another BJP MLA from the state, Kirodi Lal Meena, according to Sabrang India. With news reports such as the one above alleging that over a 100 cases have been registered against Singh, Hindutva Watch has reported that Bangalore police registered another case against Singh where a zero FIR was filed against him for his reportedly anti-Muslim speeches given in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, earlier this month. However, despite the number of FIRs and complaints against him it remains to be seen whether Singh’s reportedly hate-filled speeches will be prevented from happening again.

Citizens for Justice and Peace has been complaining against Raja since as far back as 2018 when he first surfaced as an aggressive hate campaigner for the party making problematic statements over the Amarnath Yatra that takes place in Jammu & Kashmir each year

There onwards, in February 2019, CJP’s Hate Watch team had shed light on one hate speech by Singh which was broadcast to Singh’s approximate half a million followers on Facebook.

Singh was then, too, a sitting MLA and a party whip of the state when he made a post on his account wherein he explicitly urged his followers not to buy anything from ‘terrorist Kashmiris’ during the Amarnath Yatra. CJP complained to Facebook without delay. However, the video remained there till 2019 where it had gathered over 300,000 views.

However, Facebook continued to host his account despite numerous complaints, as well as FIRs lodged against him. Yet, CJP kept pressing on the issue after it learned that the page which was supposedly taken down on Facebook was still active. For instance, in February 2019, CJP was invited to a roundtable discussion on Online Hate Speech and Facebook Community Standards and during the question and answer session with Facebook’s representative Varun Reddy, the CJP team presented concrete examples of hate speech, such as Raja Singh’s page, which remained active despite repeated reporting and complains.

However, while his page was eventually taken down, his videos reportedly continued to proliferate on the social media site. What is alarming further is that it was two years later in March 2021 that Facebook, finally concluded that Singh had violated its community standards and his official account was finally removed from the platform. However, the earlier report by CJP observes that his hate-filled rhetoric continued to spread through what appears at first glance to be several of his “fan pages” like the Tiger Raja Singh Fan Club and T Raja Singh Samarthak Jalgaon PRK Group hosted thousands of followers.

In 2023 itself, CJP has rallied means to legally address his hate speech and communal tactics. Prior to Ram Navami processions organised by right-wing groups in Hyderabad and Mumbai, CJP proactively reached out to local authorities intimating them of the nature of these events. The team sent letters to the Santacruz Police in Mumbai and the Mangalhat Police in Hyderabad on March 28 and March 29, 2023 respectively.

In letters address to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Goshamahal Division, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, West Zone, Hyderabad., CJP maintained about Singh’s history which has recorded him consistently delivering hate speeches against minority communities and thus committed a violation of the Telangana High Court order that barred him from participating in rallies after being granted bail in a previous case.

Further, in May 2023, CJP submitted a complaint to the State Election Commission in Karnataka with regards to the hate comments made by the Singh during the election campaign in Karnataka. In the complaint, CJP had urged strict action against Singh for his speech since it included anti-Muslim slurs and thus was in direct violation of the Model Code of Conduct on two instances.

Despite these repeated violations of criminal law and Indian election law, T Raja Singh, though facing prosecutions and even having been jailed, has been chosen, again by the ruling regime in New Delhi as a candidate for the upcoming polls in the state of Telangana.

Related

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Hate Speech: T Raja Singh attempts to incite hate in Rajasthan

Indian minorities must be protected, GOI needs to take steps: IAMC report

Crossing all limits, BJP MLA, T. Raja Singh calls for genocide & economic boycott

The post BJP lifts suspension on T. Raja Singh, a frequent hate offender, gives him a ticket: Telangana appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The representation points out over a dozen previous letters and representations being made by human rights organisations to police authorities in Maharashtra. Citizens for Justice and Peace (cjp.org.in) is the first group to have begun this campaign with as many as a dozen or more complaints from December 2022 onwards; thereafter Salokha Samiti and even PUCL sent in two representations each.

Also Read

Wild Goose Chase: From filing preemptive complaints to following up with officers, a round-up of CJP’s efforts to curb hate speech

The PUCL is, since April 28, 2023, now a formal intervener in the ongoing hate speech case (Shaheen Abdullah versus Union of India, W.P. (C) No. 940/2022) being heard by the SC.

The detailed representation (read below) points out the Orders of the SC passed on February 3, 4, 8, 10, 11 and 16, then April 10, 2023 wherein citizens groups have collectively called upon the Maharashtra police to ensure that preventive measures are taken given the past antecedents of hatemongering and spreading of communal hatred at the aforesaid rallies/public events organized by Sakal Hindu Samaj and its constituent/associate organisations and also to take immediate action against hate speech. However, there has been no reply to these multiple representations.

The PUCL representation quotes from relevant portions of the order dated January 13, 2023 passed by the Supreme Court are extracted below.

“Additional Respondents shall ensure that immediately as and when any speech or any action takes place which attracts offences such as Sections 153A, 153B and 295A and 505 of the IPC etc., suo moto action will be taken to register cases even if no complaint is forthcoming and proceed against the offenders in accordance with law. Additional Respondents will therefore issue direction(s) to their subordinates so that appropriate action in law will be taken at the earliest. 

We make it clear that any hesitation to act in accordance with this direction will be viewed as contempt of this Court and appropriate action will be taken against the erring officers. 

We further make it clear that such action will be taken irrespective of the religion that the maker of the speech or the person who commit such act belongs to, so that the secular character of Bharat as is envisaged by the Preamble, is preserved and protected.”

Following this January 2023 Order, the Supreme Court passed the order dated Feb, 2023 3, in respect of the rally held on January 29, 2023 in Shivaji Park, Mumbai and a proposed meeting on February 5, 2023, relevant portions of which are extracted herein below.

“We record the submission of Mr. Tushar Mehta, learned Solicitor General appearing on behalf of the Respondent-State of Maharashtra that if permission is applied by Sakal Hindu Samaj for holding contemplated meeting on 05.02.2023 and if permission is granted it will be subject to the condition that nobody will make any hate speech and in defiance of law or disturbing the public order. ..

We also direct that the Officer(s), in case, permission is granted and, in case, the occasion arises for invoking the power under Section 151 of Cr.P.C. as aforesaid, it shall be the duty of the Officer(s) concerned to invoke the said power and to act as per the mandate of Section 151 of the Cr.P.C. ..

Accordingly, we direct that the Police Inspector of the area in question will conduct videography of the meeting in question and it shall be made available to this Court on the next date of hearing. ..

Mr. Tushar Mehta, learned Solicitor General appearing on behalf of the Respondent-State of Maharashtra also to get instructions in regard to the allegation made about what has happened in the conduct of previous meeting which took place at the instance of very same organization.”

There appears to be a general reluctance in the Maharashtra police to act. The PUCL states that it is “owing to the repeated inaction and failure on part of the Maharashtra police)..to take action on the several letters issued by us and to inter alia (a) take any preventive action against hate speech, (b) refuse permission to the perpetrator organisations and individuals being repeat offenders of hate speech and (c) prosecute hate speech,” that the organisation filed an intervention application before the Supreme Court to place on record the facts and evidences of hate speech being conducted with impunity in Maharashtra and inaction by the authorities.”

The matters will now placed for further consideration on May 12, 2023 before the Supreme Court. April 28, 2023 Order excerpts:

“Respondent Nos. 9 to 36 shall ensure that immediately as and when any speech or any action takes place which attracts offences such as Sections 153A, 153B and 295A and 505 of the IPC etc., suo moto action will be taken to register cases even if no complaint is forthcoming and proceed against the offenders in accordance with law. 

Respondent Nos.9 to 36 will therefore issue direction(s) to their subordinates so that appropriate action in law will be taken at the earliest. We make it clear that any hesitation to act in accordance with this direction will be viewed as contempt of this Court and appropriate action will be taken against the erring officers. 

We further make it clear that such action will be taken irrespective of the religion that the maker of the speech or the person who commits such act may profess, so that the secular character of India, that is, Bharat as is envisaged by the Preamble, is preserved and protected.”

The entire memorandum may be read below:

Related:

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Memo seeking preventive action against Hindu Janajagruti Samiti event sent to authorities

Citizens’ attempts to prevent hate speech event ignored, Hate Event allowed by Ratnagiri Police

Maharashtra: The new breeding ground for hate, oaths of allegiance to the Constitution brutally violated

Worsening Spiral of Communal Hate: State’s role in rising violence against minorities

The post PUCL petitions M’tra DGP, urging preventive action against hate speech and prosecution of offenders appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Twitter has reinstated the account of repeat hate offender Deepak Sharma, whose profile was suspended in March last year. The one thing that has changed with Twitter is that the CEO of twitter then was Mr. Parag Agarwal and now Twitter is owned by the second richest man in the world, Elon Musk.

Sharma has a history of hate speech and Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) was one of the first to  flag his profile to National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on December 27, 2018. Deepak Sharma calls himself a “Nationalist !! Son Of Bharat Mata !! Political Thinker” and is a “founder” of an organisation named Rashtriya Swabhiman Dal (RSD). He announced heis return to Twitter with the following tweet:

स्वागत नहीं करोगे हमारा ??
!!
अकाउंट 9 महीनों बाद वापस आया है ?? pic.twitter.com/NA6RjWym4r

— DeePak SharmA (@TheDeepak2020In) January 26, 2023

As soon as he was reinstated he resorted to the same diatribe for which his account was suspended in the first place. He has tweeted today that at Aligarh Muslim University, students raised slogans of ‘Allhu Akbar’ instead of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ on Republic Day, while calling the students “namaazi”

अलीगढ़ मुस्लिम विश्वविद्यालय
में गड़तंत्र दिवस पर नमाजी छात्रों
ने भारत माता की जय न बोलकर लगाए
अल्ला हु अकबर के नारे

बोलो इन्हे राष्ट्रद्रोही क्यों न कहें हम?

— DeePak SharmA (@TheDeepak2020In) January 27, 2023

When state assembly elections were announced, he tried to get popular, claiming to protect the interests of “Hindu dharma and the nation.” However, online, his job is to be a full time hate monger who joined Twitter only in February 2020 and quickly got a massive following. His profile has always been full of abusive and hateful posts and is constantly seen openly supporting and being supported by BJP politicians, including Telangana’s T Raja. His other notoriety includes, trying to offer Hindu prayers at Taj Mahal, verbally abusing Muslims in his video rants, and trying his hand at poetry seeking “another Godhra”.

CJP had also complained to National Commission for Minorities (NCM) against Sharma after he made derogatory statements against ‘Allah’ in an audio chat room on a social audio app called ‘Clubhouse’. In this audio chat room he made a series of extremely crude and derogatory comments about the anatomy and biology of Allah

A profile on his hateful propaganda may be watched here

Musk has maintained a stand of being a “free speech absolutist” and has said that Twitter should be more cautious about removing tweets or banning users. Ella Irwin, Twitter’s head of trust and safety said that twitter “will not reinstate users who engaged in threats of harm or violence, fraud or other illegal activity and we will suspend accounts for this type of activity immediately”. However, looking at the users whose accounts it  has reinstated, twitter does not seem to have stood up to this stance, or has decided to completely turn a blind eye under the guise of advocating for free speech.

Other accounts that have been reinstated include that of Hindi film actor Kangana Ranaut known for making controversial comments about religion as also of a website perpetrating hate, called ‘Kreately’. This account was suspended in November last year after CJP’s complaint. Kreately media was incessantly posting hate mongering, anti-Islamic content through their account.  A detailed report on Kreately’s earlier posts may be read here. @Kreately continues to post provocative and inciteful content. It recently posted about the 1990 exodus of Hindus from Kashmir and posted disturbing imagery and posted content showing Kashmiri Muslims in a bad light. Moreover, on its website Kreately allows anybody to post anything, without any editorial gatekeeping

Other accounts that have been reinstated include:

@BefittingFacts

@theskindoctor13

@Bharadwajspeaks

@theskindoctor13 tweets offensive and at times misleading content. He has written about the Shraddha Walkar murder where the accused belonged to Muslim community and states exaggeratedly that such incidents happen every day in India. He also shared an old video of armed forces allegedly beating up Chinese armed forces and claimed it was a recent one. He also shares videos claiming incidents of “love jihad”. (a pejorative term for inter-community associations and partnerships that are affected by autonomy and choice)

@bharadwajspeaks made disparaging comments about Islam. He has said that Auliya (a Sufi Saint) took part in Jihad and sold Hindu women as slaves. He has even posted a long thread claiming Savitribai Phule (a social reformist and pioneer in women’s education in India) was a British missionary.

Twitter’s decision to restore suspended accounts deeming permanent suspension as a disproportionate action is only adding fuel to the fire. Hate sells and Twitter will only be facilitating it by restoring such accounts.

There is a clear lack of logic behind reinstating such accounts that spread misinformation and hatred. It is not as if these accounts will return to the platform completely reformed. This is no way a deterrent to them.

Related:

CJP IMPACT: TWITTER SUSPENDS DEEPAK SHARMA’S MAIN ACCOUNT

DEEPAK SHARMA MAKES DEROGATORY REMARKS ABOUT ALLAH, CJP MOVES NCM

CJP IMPACT! NCM DIRECTS UP POLICE TO INVESTIGATE DEEPAK SHARMA’S ISLAMOPHOBIC DIATRIBE ON CLUBHOUSE

CJP IMPACT: TWITTER SUSPENDS RW KREATELY MEDIA’S ACCOUNT

The post Deepak Sharma is back on Twitter appeared first on SabrangIndia.