This took place on the morning of June 18th, a crowd of 50-100 people from the Bajrang Dal gathered near Sham Masjid, close to the Police Chowki, upon hearing about the incident. The local MLA Geeta Jain, former MLA Narendra Mehta and Shiva Sena (Eknath Shinde) Corporator, Vikram Singh were also present at the scene.

The crowd surrounded the truck chanting Jai Sri Ram slogans, remained until the police intervened to calm the situation. As per reports, an FIR has been filed in relation to the case of cow slaughter, and the meat has been sent for forensic examination. Three people have been taken into custody.

Sadiq Basha, an activist, spoke to Sabrang India about the incident, narrated, “Around 10:30 or 11 am in the morning, I got a call from Naya Nagar that some truck has been reportedly caught with cow meat. I learned that around 50-100 people from Bajrang Dal had surrounded the truck at Sham Masjid, which is located near the local police chowki.” Sadiq narrates that BJP’s local MLA Geeta Jain and ex MLA Narendra Mehta were also present there as slogans of Jai Sri Ram were given. However, the police had calmed the situation and prevented anything further from happening.

Video | Tension at Naya Nagar in Mira Road over a tempo allegedly carrying Cow’s meat | 3 persons taken into custody & meat sent for forensic examination, DCP Gaikwad said. Report by City News Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/0MUTxzTxDO

— MUMBAI NEWS (@Mumbaikhabar9) June 19, 2024

Vikram Pratap Singh, who is a local Corporator of the Shiva Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), spoke to Mira Bhayandar Live, a local news channel, as the mob shouted slogans, saying “Yeh desh Rashtrawadi, Hinduwadi, Sanatan Dharmwadio ka sarkar hai yahan per, yeh sabh nahi chalega.” This country belongs to nationalists, Hindus, Sanatan Dharmis, this won’t work here.

In January, 2023, Mira Road locality of Mumbai had seen a continued violence which saw homes and vehicles of local Muslims were burned and vandalised by a Hindutva mob. This incident had occured when the country was seeing a rise in mob violence against Muslims in the wake of the inauguration of the Ayodhya Temple in Faizabad, UP. The incident at Mira Road then too had seen the incendiary participation of BJP MLAs Geeta Jain and Nitish Rane. Jain were seen leading a mob.

Several incidents of violence against Muslims, involving allegations of cow slaughter, have been reported across the country. In a recent incident in Himachal Pradesh, The Observer Post reported that a Muslim-owned textile shop in Nahan was looted and vandalised by a large mob after the shopkeeper had shared a picture of an animal sacrifice on his WhatsApp status.

Please embed: https://x.com/TheObserverPost/status/1803361865235673412

A video of the incident shows the mob destroying and throwing out the contents of the shop as a crowd cheers under police presence. Police however took steps and managed to close the shop’s shutters to prevent more damage. After this, the crowd marched to the district collector’s office, chanting slogans such as “Goli maaro saalon ko” and “Jai Shri Ram.”

Related:

Four days after BJP government sworn in, Odisha witnesses communal violence, internet ban imposed, journalists barred from reporting

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

Eve of Ram temple inauguration sees “clashes”, planting of saffron flag atop Church

How and why the Ram Temple is just a political tool for the BJP

Vigilante violence against Muslims continues without rest

The post Tension flare as mob alleges cow slaughter in Mumbai, Himachal Pradesh too witnesses similar mob action appeared first on SabrangIndia.

And on March 31, scores of people, irrespective of their caste and religion, took up the invitation and visited the mosque as a gesture of goodwill and togetherness. The guest list included local Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav and Navratri Utsav mandals officials, as well as Gujaratis, Jains, Marwaris, Christians, and Maharashtrians.

As per the report, the guests were personally greeted and welcomed by the revered clerics of the mosque by offering them traditional shawls. After that, the people were provided with a tour of the mosque and given a breakdown of the customs and rituals that are observed during the holy month, such as iftar (breaking of the fast), salat (five times a day), and roza (fasting).

“Humanity is the biggest religion,” the clerics of the mosque declared, emphasizing that all people are children of One God and that different religions observe different holy days for different purposes, such as Lent for Christians, Navratri for Hindus, and Ramadan for Muslims. As per the clerics, these religious rituals across religions are meant to promote spiritual purification and self-discipline.

Remarkably, the Jama Masjid Al Shams was the first place of worship in the state to lead by example by lowering the volume of sound to levels that were appropriate for Azaan.
The mosque has installed special sound systems with built-in software that is designed and programmed to ensure that the sound does not exceed the permissible decibel limit both inside and outside the mosque premises in order to voluntarily comply with the Supreme Court’s guidelines regarding permissible sound levels as per the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules.

It is essential to note that this message of harmony and brotherhood sent by Jama Masjid Al Shams, Mira Road will set the narrative right. In the month of January and February Mira Road and Naya Nagar had grabbed the headlines of mainstream media as episodes of communal violence and hate speeches by majoritarian leads had taken place in the area. Even after attempts were made by many, especially BJP MLA Raja Singh, BJP MLA Nitesh Rane and BJP MLA Geeta Jain, to give rise to communal tensions in the area, the communities have now come together to promote the message of brotherhood.

It is essential to note that on March 27, an FIR had been registered against Telangana BJP leader T Raja Singh for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of communities with his hate speech during a rally on Mira Road on February 25, said MIRA Bhayandar Vasai Virar (MBVV) police. The BJP leader was booked under sections 153(A), 188 and 295(A) of the Indian Penal Code which deals with dividing communities by hurting their religious sentiments. The residents of Mira Road had also submitted a written complaint to the senior PI of the Naya Nagar Police Station, Vilas Supe in Mira Road demanding registration of a First Information Report (FIR), thorough and fair investigation and prompt legal action against BJP MLAs Geeta Jain and Nitesh Rane. The residents had accused both of them to be responsible for unnecessarily stoking communal fires over the Ram Temple event at Ayodhya on January 22, 2024.

Notably, a petition had also been moved in the Bombay High Court to seek action against three Bharatiya Janata Party leaders for delivering hate speeches and inciting violence. Details of the same can be read here.

Details of the hate speeches delivered and the communal violence can be read here.

Related:

Sufidar Trust, Walajah Big Mosque: The 4 decades long tradition of Hindus serving Iftar meals to Muslims during Ramzan

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala to Malerkotla in Punjab, spontaneous community initiatives celebrate harmony & syncretism

Incidents of everyday harmony from Punjab to Lakshadweep Islands

Heartrending tales of communal harmony amidst polarised times

The post Mira Road: Mosque clerics welcome people from across religion and caste to Jama Masjid Al Shams this Ramzan appeared first on SabrangIndia.

In the 40-minute-long speech, Singh also referred to other contentious topics such as the law on Citizenship Amendment Act and Uniform Civil Code. In order to paint the Muslim community as a suspicious enemy, topics of ‘Love-Jihad’, forced religious conversions, cow slaughter and illegal religious conversion were referred to by the speaker. The BJP MLA from Telangana also openly targeted Asaduddin Owaisi, who is the Chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) party and also an MP from Hyderabad, Telangana. It is essential to note here that such inflammatory words were used by the hate offender after having submitted a court ordered undertaking to the Deputy Commission of Police of Zone-I, Mira Bhayander that Singh and the organisers will abide by all the terms and conditions imposed on them by the court and the authorities, and no hate speeches will be delivered at the rally.

A division bench of Justices R.P. Mohite Dere and Shivkumar Dige of the Bombay High Court had imposed the condition of videotaping of the event in its order, by stating that “Needless to state that the Police to video record the entire procession that will be taken out by petitioner as well as the speeches that will be made at the said congregation/rally.”

Details of the Bombay High Court hearing and the conditional permission granted to him can be read here.

However, the videos that have emerged from the rally show how Singh has indulged in stoking communal fires once again. Below are the extracts from his 40 min speech delivered at the said rally, organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj. We have identified the Hindutva encouraged issues that were touched upon by the BJP MLA during the said rally, in an area which saw communal incidents of large scale only a month ago, in which court ordered video-tapping was also taking place.

Problematic aspects of Raja Singh’s speech

Distorting the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji, encouraging violence under his name: “Today, on the birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj, all of us will take a pledge that till the time we are alive, we will fight for the establishment of a Hindu nation. We will take a pledge to keep fighting against Love Jihad, cow slaughter and forced religious conversions.” (Time stamp- 1:42- 2:17)

“Before the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Aurangzeb used to rule India. They used to frequently indulge in the forceful conversion of Hindus and demolition of temples. There is this story from the times of Aurangzeb that I will tell you. Aurangzeb and his followers wanted to demolish every temple in India. In one village of Maharashtra, the villagers had hidden a temple. One day, as people were worshipping there, Aurangzeb and his army reached the spot and were astonished to see the temple. They declared that they will destroy every temple in India. Before destroying this temple, they urinated on the temple and threw pieces of cow meat on the Shivling inside.” (Time stamp- 2:53- 4:25)

“One day, as a butcher is planning to slaughter a cow and the villagers are helplessly waiting for someone to come and save their mother cow, Shivaji Maharaj reaches there. Shivaji Maharaj then asks that L****e (anti-Muslim slur) butcher to tell him where he is taking that cow. That L****a (anti-Muslim slur) butcher tells Shivaji that guests are coming to his home so he was to slaughter the cow and eat it. Shiavji gets angry upon hearing this and he slits the throat of that butcher with his sword. This is how much Shivaji was committed to cow protection at the age of twelve.” (Time stamp- 6:20- 7:25)

“Shivaji Maharaj has not only saved Maharashtra, but he has saved the whole Hindu community. Today, Kashi would have had a Mosque had it not been for Shivaji Maharaj. Hindus would have Sunnat had it not been for Shivaji Maharaj.” (Time stamp- 10:14- 10:41)

Painting Mughal leaders, and by extension Muslims, as enemies: “When Afzal Khan went to see a Mullah before attempting to catch Shivaji Maharaj, that Mullah told Khan that you are trying to fight a tornado and nobody who has ever fought with this tornado has lived to tell the tale. Just like that, you too will die.” (Time stamp- 11:56- 12:25)

“Afzal Khan knew that the heart of Shivaji lies with his Hindu brethren. So, in order to draw Shivaji out, he started looting the Hindu villagers and demolishing the temples of Maharashtra. When Shivaji got to know of all this, he conspired to kill Khan. With the guise of meeting him, Shivaji Maharaj tore the chest of Afzal Khan and ensured that the saffron flag flew high.” (Time stamp- 13:15- 14:16)

“Today, when this story of Afzal Khan is told through plays and speeches, many take offence to that. Those who take offence while living in Maharashtra, I want to tell them that this is the land of Shivaji and if you follow Afzal Khan, you know of the consequences.” (Time stamp- 14:25- 14:50)

“Shivaji Maharaj had committed a surgical strike with Sahist Khan, when Khan had brought his army to capture Shivaji Maharaj. For three years Khan tried to catch Shivaji but was unable to, after which Shivaji resolved to teach a lesson to that L****a lesson. Within the duration of a night, Shivaji and his army attacked the Palace that Khan was staying at. It is told that once Khan saw Shivaji, he tried to run away but Shivaji used his sword in such a way that 3 fingers of Khan were cut off. You people say that you are not afraid of a fight, then why did you run away wearing a Burkha?” (Time stamp- 15:49- 17:50)

“Many of our kings committed the mistake of leaving our enemies alive, but Shivaji never did this mistake. If an enemy had been caught by them, they always tore them apart from the middle and killed them.” (Time stamp- 18:43- 18:59)

“Shivaji Maharaj had displayed the slaughtered head of Afzal Khan at the top of the Pratapgarh fort to ensure that no Mughal or Mullah in the coming times could dare to look at Shivaji Maharaj.” (Time stamp- 19:06- 19:46)

“Today we see that a lot of Maharajs in villages are converting their religion for small amounts of money or pressure. Our Hindu brothers are being converted in every village. We need to tell the story of Shivaji Maharaj and the sacrifice of Sambhaji Maharaj to these people and these families.” (Time stamp- 20:13- 20:35)

“What Aurangzeb did to our Sambhaji Maharaj should not be forgotten by us or our coming seven generations. They used to cut one part of Sambhaji’s body each day to force him to convert to Islam. Sambhaji had refused to do so and had died doing so.” (Time stamp- 21:35- 22:19)

A couplet is recited by Singh post this:

“देश धरम पर  मिटने वाला शेर छवि महाराजा था

महा पराकर्मी परम प्रतापी एक ही संभु राजा था

तेज अंग तेजस्वी ऑंखें निकल गयी पर झुकी नहीं

दृष्टि गयी पर हिन्दू राष्ट्र का दिव्या सपना छूटा नहीं

दोनों हाथ काटे पर क्या हुआ संकल्प कभी छूटा नहीं

जीभ काटी खून बहाया, धरम का सौदा किया नहीं

शिवाजी  का बेटा था वो, गलत राह पर  चला नहीं

गर्व से हिन्दू कहने मै कभी किसी के बाप से डरा नहीं

कभी किसी के बाप से डरा नहीं

वर्ष ३०० बीत गए, अब तक उनके बलिदान को

कौन जीता कौन हारा पूछ लो संसार को

कोटि कोटि कंठो मै तेरा  आज जय जय कार है

2अरे शंभु तू अमर हो गया, तेरी जय जय कार है, तेरी जय जय कार है” (Time stamp- 22:30- 23:48)

(Shivaji was the lion who died for his country and his religion

There was only one Sambhu King, the most powerful and the most glorious one.

His limbs were cut but he did not bend

The sight was lost but the divine dream of the Hindu nation was not lost.

He was Shivaji’s son, he did not follow the wrong path.

I am proud to be a Hindu and have never been afraid of anyone’s father.

300 years have passed since their sacrifice

Ask the world who won and who lost.

Today I am chanting ‘Jai Jai’ for you in millions of hearts.

Hey Shambhu, you have become immortal)

The Hindutva promoted agendas of ‘Love Jihad’, illegal encroachment, cow slaughter and forced religious conversions: “You need to visit the memorial of Sambhajii Maharaj and bow down in front of that to take a pledge to keep on working towards our religion and society. We will also give the same sacrifice in the coming times that you gave.” (Time stamp- 23:59- 24:23)

“Shivaji Maharaj had occupied and safeguarded at least 370 forts from the army of Aurangzeb. I want to ask you today, out of these 370, how many forts remain safe today? I want to ask the government regarding the 100 forts that have been taken over by these people to build a Mosque or a shrine. I want to urge our Chief Minister and Home Minister to make the forts encroached upon free and liberate them.” (Time stamp- 24:32- 25:47)

“India is moving forward. Once a law on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is brought in, then this nation will have only one law and no one would be able to follow the Sharia law. Everyone will follow Ambedkar’s law. Soon CAA-NRC will also be employed and the Hindus who are tortured in countries like Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran will be given citizenship under these new laws.” (Time stamp- 26:12- 27:18)

Unsubstantiated claims of illegal immigration: “Illegal Rohingyas from Myanmar and Bangladesh are hiding all over India. Even in the state of Maharashtra, Rohingyas are there. The incident that took place in Mira Road, I have heard that a lot of Rohingyas were involved. I would like to request the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the home minister to find all these people who are hiding in the state. Our Amit Shah has said a very good thing, he said that we will not even leave one of them. Wherever these people have come from, we will send each one of them back. These Rohingyas are harmful for our country and for the security of our country.” (Time stamp- 27:18- 28:20)

Targeting AIMIM leader Owaisi for his religion: “To make our dream of having a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya come true, many Karsevaks had to sacrifice their lives. Despite this, a few days ago, in the Parliament, our brother Owasi said that Babri Mosque was there and will always be there. He has also raised slogans hailing Babri Mosque. I want to ask that goat to tell me who made such an illiterate person a politician?” (Time stamp- 28:27- 29:47)

“Those who do not respect the Constitution of India and do not say ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’, such people do not have the right to live in India. Even if one terrorist is killed in any corner of India, Owasi cries like his father’s son has died. He gets riled up as if a relative of his has died. He doesn’t even follow the orders of the Supreme Court.” (Time stamp- 29:47- 30:20)

“Hey Owaisi, listen to me son, till now we have only reclaimed Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura are still left. All those 40 thousand temples are left that were destroyed by Aurangzeb and structures have been built over it. You say that you will tell about the Babri Mosque to your next generations, listen to me as I say this- we will teach our coming generations Kar seva. We will teach our coming generations how to reclaim those 40 thousand temples.” (Time stamp- 30:20- 31:32)

Encouraging violence: “Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has made an amazing promise that whoever does Karseva in Mathura, they will not have to face guns but will be showered with flowers. For Kashi, Hindus are ready to dance Tandav and for Mathura, we are ready to blow the flute. If required, Hindus are also ready to fight the battle of Mahabharat.” (Time stamp- 31:32- 32:26)

“Those who are present here and attending this rally, I want to tell them that they need to be prepared to fight for the protection of our country and religion. When the Babri Mosque was demolished in Ayodhya, no minister had the audacity to stop us. Every Minister had kept quiet. There was this one Minister in Maharashtra who had openly declared that the Babri Mosque had been demolished by my army. When that lion used to roar, people would piss in their pants. And the name of that lion was BalaSaheb Thackrey.” (Time stamp- 32:26- 32:52)

“Whether the issue was of Ayodhya, or offering Namaz and loudspeakers, or illegal immigrants, Thackeray would openly threaten people that if they do not mend their ways then they would have to suffer fatal consequences. In an interview, Balasaheb was asked regarding the first thing he would do if he becomes the Prime Minister of India. Thackeray had replied that he would clear the land in Kashi and other places that Hindus have claimed to belong to them. This is why, even though Thackrey was not made the PM or the CM, people worship him as he ensured that the saffron flag flies high.” (Time stamp- 33:55- 35:40)

The speaker then urges the audience to take an oath with him. Notably, alongside him, another BJP MLA known for her vitriolic, Geeta Jain, can also be seen taking repeating the pledge.

Pledge: “We pledge today that till the time I am alive, I will protect my country. We pledge today that till the time I am alive, I will protect my religion. In my Hindu society, I will keep fighting against ‘Love Jihad’, forced religious conversions and cow slaughter. I will not let any wrong thing enter my body. I will learn how to use weapons. I will work for the establishment of a Hindu nation. I take my oath upon Shivaji Maharaj.” (Time stamp- 36:50- 38:10)

The complete 40 min video can be viewed here:

As per a report of the Indian Express, the police in Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar have asserted that the officials are going through transcripts of the speech made by the BJP leader at Mira Road. As per the officials, there are suspicions that Singh had made some communal remarks. The report provided that according to a senior police officer, after analysing the speech, they will take legal opinion on whether action should be taken against him. 

The IE report provided that as per the senior officer, “The entire speech was video recorded and we will be going through it again and seek legal opinion on whether he has violated the undertaking. Prima facie, it appears that at certain points he has used some words and phrases that could violate his undertaking but we will decide after going through the video again.” Notably, on February 21, Singh had been denied police permission for taking out the said rally in Mira Road.

Video of the speech delivered by BJP MLA Geeta Jain also showed the leader delivering instigating speeches. The minister who has been accused of unnecessarily stoking communal fires during the Mira road incident by delivering hate speeches, could be heard gloating over the violence that had taken place in the month of January. She proudly deemed the communal violence incident to be a result of Hindus showing Muslim their position. Her speech is as follows:

“With our population size, we can do in five minutes what they would take 20 minutes to do”

“Some people are still trying to say that I am a woman, I will not be able to do it. To them, I want to say that I have done more than you could ever do in your life. I did not hide in my house, I was there on the roads with you all when the stone pelting incident was taking place.”

“We are Hindus. We are very tolerant, but we are not cowards.”

“Till the time an undivided Hindu nation is not established, I will neither sit quietly nor let anyone sit quietly. Do not mess with us.”

The complete video can be viewed here:

In #Mumbai‘s #MiraRoad, #BJP MLA #GeetaJain said “With our population size, we can do in five minutes what they would take 20 minutes to do”.#Telangana MLA #RajaSingh and other #Hindutva speakers made hate speeches and incited violence at the event on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/Mrt9w1LWiy

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) February 26, 2024

In the IE report, an officer stated that the said rally was attended by a few thousand people, primarily youngsters. As per the report, the rally ended at 7.30 pm, just a few hours before the commencement of Shab-e-Baraat, when Muslims spend the night praying in mosques. A video also circulated on social media that showed the objectionable anti-Muslim slogans that was raised during the rally. In the said video, a group of young men donning saffron scarves or saffron caps could be heard using provocative and violent slogans. The wordings of these slogans were too vile to be written in words.

The video can be viewed here:

लोकेशन : मीरा भायंदर,महाराष्ट्र
दिनांक 25 फरवरी

टी राजा सिंह की रैली के दौरान मुसलमानो के खिलाफ आपत्तिजनक नारो का इस्तेमाल किया गया ।

लांड्या (मुस्लिमो के खिलाफ कहे जाने वाला अपमानजनक शब्द) को भगाओ इत्यादि भड़काऊ नारे लगाए गए। pic.twitter.com/oGBgzBE2wZ

— The Muslim (@TheMuslim786) February 26, 2024

Related:

Mira Road to see Hindutva rally tomorrow after HC grants permission, citizens approach police to ensure peace

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 Bhayander Police rejects permission to BJP MLA T Raja Singh for rally on February 25, cites hate speeches

CJP to Maharashtra Police: Halt BJP MLA Raja Singh’s rally in Mira Road, citing potential for public disruptions

The post BJP MLA Raja Singh uses anti-Muslim slurs, targets Muslims, encourages violence at rally permitted by Bombay High Court appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Initially, T Raja Singh,  had been denied permission on February 21 by the police who rejected the application of Hindu Jan Akrosh Morcha to hold a rally in the Mira Road neighbourhood which is trying to come to a semblance of normalcy after in late January, 2024, the area in the heart of Mumbai recently experienced a surge of unrest and violence , as a Hindutva mob reportedly engaged in the brutal vandalism, assault, and burning of Muslim-owned establishments and vehicles.

Singh had announced his intention to conduct a ‘sabha’ in the volatile neighbourhood after posting a video on his social media. Originally scheduled for February 19, the programme was eventually postponed to February 25. In a message to his followers, he declared, “Chalo, let’s introduce people to our power on the 25th,” and had urged the police not to delay granting permission for the gathering.

Starting with Jai Sri Ram, members of the Sakal Hindu Samaj held a press conference, talked about the court hearing, and stated, ‘Today we have gotten permission. The police refused permission citing the ‘bhadkau bhashan’ (inflammatory speech) amd ‘dangey’ (riots) around Pran Pratistha, but the Bombay High Court stated that when the sabha happened in Chopda (located in Jalgaon district) and other places, there was no communal incident, you cannot stop a sabha from happening based on the potential that it might happen. And the duty to maintain law and order is of the police. And on this, our permission was granted. We, Raja bhaiya (T  Raja Singh), and the organisers, have to give an undertaking to the police that no ‘hate speech’ or any incendiary bhashan will be given. Our message to the Hindu samaj is this that on Shivaji Maharaj’s jayanti this programme will take place and will speak about his bravery and will also talk about the attacks taking place against the Hindu samaj.” 

This announcement had raised concerns among the local populace, especially given Singh’s controversial reputation and high number of criminal cases against him in light of the recent incidents of violence in Mira Road.  

However, a criminal writ petition was filed  by one Naresh Ramu Nile, who is self-acclaimedly  from  the ‘Hindu Task Force and Sakal Hindu Samaj’ before the the Bombay High Court. On February 23 a bench presided by Justice R.P. Mohite Dere and Justice Manusha Ajay Deshpande granted the organisers conditional permission to hold the event granted that they don’t make and hate speeches and directed the police to take full precautions and videotape the event. The following day, today, on February 24, a day before the event is to take place, Citizens for Justice and Peace has further written another petition urging for precautions and implementation of the Supreme Court guidelines to the Vasai Virar Police at Mira Road Bhayander. 

Citizens on ground have stated that they are going to forward another complaint to the police today. SabrangIndia spoke to an active citizen who is part of the proposed delegation, “As you know, the High Court has allowed permission, with conditions for the rally to speak. Some citizens are again going to approach the police commissioner today urging them to file an FIR if any hate speech incident should take place, and also urging that any incident of hate speech should be stopped on spot if it takes place. ..The action of the Mira-Bhayandar Vasai Virar police has not been robust against hate speech in the past. We had Kajal Hindustani earlier who called the area ‘Jihadi Nagar’. There was little action taken. No FIR was registered by police, however, people on ground repeatedly urged the police who finally after 25 days registered an FIR against her. Last time also, no case was registered in the case of hate speech after Nitesh Rane and Geeta Jain came over. Six people complained to the police, and they were given a notice by the police to come and give evidence for the complaint. However, when we went there, they did not record any statement and said they are busy. We even asked if they had called Geeta Jain. But everyone has their process of doing things, they may be investigating according to their process. As of now, we are not scared, we are going to approach the police station once again today regarding the upcoming rally, and we are alert against any incident of hate speech that may turn.”

As peace-loving citizens continue to demand action against hate speeches in the past and remain vigilant in the present, the city outside Mumbai in the Thane district waits with trepidation for Sunday 25 rally and event to pass.

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 Bhayander Police rejects permission to BJP MLA T Raja Singh for rally on February 25, cites hate speeches

CJP to Maharashtra Police: Halt BJP MLA Raja Singh’s rally in Mira Road, citing potential for public disruptions

The post Mira Road to see Hindutva rally tomorrow after HC grants permission, citizens approach police to ensure peace appeared first on SabrangIndia.

While rejecting the application, the Police has mentioned multiple cases against T Raja Singh for creating a rift between two people by making provocative and controversial statements. Six cases in Maharashtra alone and 45 others in total in other states have been mentioned by the police in the rejection of permission letter.

The refusal letter states that in all his programmes, he makes provocative, offensive and hateful statements and if allowed to speak at Mira Road Bhayander, MLA Thakur Raja Singh (T Raja), this may lead to its reaction and create a renewed tension in the city, as well as create a rift between the two religions. There will be a threat to public life, property and large scale law and order problem cannot be ruled out. It is also reasoned by police that “Upcoming is 12th, 10th and other school and college exam period. If law and order problem arises due to the said rally and program, students may suffer academic loss.”

The Mira Road Bhayander police states that “We are not sure that we will control the whole program and the crowd participating in the program”, police said. Accordingly, Mira Road Police & Kashimira Police has issued notice under section 149 of CRPC to the applicant regarding the same.

Yesterday, February 20 itself, Citizens for Justice & Peace had in a detailed pre-emptive complaint to the Mira Road Bhayander police pointed out not just the antecedents of the organisation and speaker, but also a slew of judgements of the Supreme Court directing the Maharashtra police in particular to take stern and pre-emotive steps to prevent provocative hate speech and resultant stigmatisation of minorities and violence. CJP moved to file the complaint after Singh released a video on social media calling people in large numbers to join his ‘Hindu Jan Aakrosh’ rally on February 25

The meeting was ostensibly to o commemorate the birthday of Shivaji Maharaj, which is celebrated on February 19. Notably, this updated information regarding the postponement of the rally came after Singh’s planned rally on February 19 had been cancelled due to police not giving the required permission. The rally was scheduled to take place from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue (Kashimira) to S.K Stone (Mira Road). The application for permission was for the rally and for the public meeting on February 25 at at Salasar Central Park Ground, Mira Road at which the controversial BJP MLA is supposed to be present as the chief speaker.

The Police letter refusing permission, accessed from a local journalist may be read here:

Citizens for Justice and Peace Complaint dated February 20, 2024

Highlighting the violent history associated with the ‘Hindu Jan Aakrosh Morcha’ and the antecedents of BJP MLA Raja Singh, CJP emphasised upon the consequences that it could have upon Maharahtra’s social harmony by stating, “Under the name of esteemed Shivaji Maharaj, a leader revered by the Maharashtrians, for his pro-people, plural and inclusive governance, the values that he stood for has been distorted by the Hindutva groups in a way that serves their purpose of divisive politics. The far-right groups have selectively valorised (distorted) the idea of Shivaji Maharaj to a parochial and downright communal element in Maharashtra, especially over the past two and a half decades. Seeing that the rally on February 25 is being taken out by Singh in his name, it is near certain that hate-ridden and provocative speeches will be delivered and calls for violence will be made. It is also necessary to keep in mind the recent track record of the name attached with the rally and the “principles” that the speakers and the organisers stand for.”

It is essential to note that in the year 2024 itself, Singh had been booked by Maharashtra Police for allegedly making incendiary speeches at a ‘Hindu Jan Aakrosh’ rally, held in Solapur, Maharashtra on January 6. Referring to the same, the letter states that “There can be no doubt that if, with Lok Sabha elections around the corner the Mira-Road Bhayander police allows T Raja Singh to address the public, this will not just be a recipe for disaster but will polarise the atmosphere and create the social climate to ensure that the vulnerable sections are prone to aggression and violence.”

The complaint also provides the recent directives issued by the Supreme Court of India in regards to curbing hate speeches, which directs the police to video tape such events that has a probability of hate speeches being delivered and then file suo-moto FIRs against the speakers and organisers.

Concerned with the role that hate speeches play in stoking communal fires and instigating violence, CJP also mentioned that “Even as the law enforcement agencies had taken stringent action against those who had indulged in vandalism and violence at the time and attempted to bring the situation under control when groups belonging to different faiths had clashed, it was the dissemination of hate speech and incendiary rhetoric by the two elected representatives of the Bharatiya Janata Party, namely Geeta Jain and Nitesh Rane, that had further exacerbated tensions and contributed to the breakdown of law and order. It was only following the hate speeches delivered by these influential political personalities, especially MLA Geeta Jain, that on January 24, mobs on bikes with saffron flags had gone on a spree and vandalised shops of Muslim establishments.”

Noting the same, the letter further states “In this background, permitting another representative from the same political party, especially with a history of delivering violent hate speeches, will definitely lead to another untoward situation developing in the area.”

With this substantive background and facts, CJP urged for the Maharashtra police to urge you to take action as per sections 149 (Police to prevent cognizable offences), 150 (Information of design to commit cognizable offences) and 151 (Arrest to prevent the commission of cognizable offences) of the CrPC and any other provisions of law, as deemed necessary by the police.

CJP’s detailed complaint may be read here:

CJP urges Maharashtra Police to deny permission to BJP MLA Raja Singh to take out rally in Mira Road as it could result in a law-and-order situations

Related:

Mumbai: Hate offender, T Raja Singh plans to come to Mira Road, as citizens file a complaint against politicians who stoked hate

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 Mira-Road Bhayander Police rejects permission to BJP MLA T Raja Singh for rally on February 25, cites hate speeches appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Highlighting the violent history associated with the ‘Hindu Jan Aakrosh Morcha’ and the antecedents of BJP MLA Raja Singh, CJP emphasised upon the consequences that it could have upon Maharahtra’s social harmony by stating, “Under the name of esteemed Shivaji Maharaj, a leader revered by the Maharashtrians, for his pro-people, plural and inclusive governance, the values that he stood for has been distorted by the Hindutva groups in a way that serves their purpose of divisive politics. The far-right groups have selectively valorised (distorted) the idea of Shivaji Maharaj to a parochial and downright communal element in Maharashtra, especially over the past two and a half decades. Seeing that the rally on February 25 is being taken out by Singh in his name, it is near certain that hate-ridden and provocative speeches will be delivered and calls for violence will be made. It is also necessary to keep in mind the recent track record of the name attached with the rally and the “principles” that the speakers and the organisers stand for.”

It is essential to note that in the year 2024 itself, Singh had been booked by Maharashtra Police for allegedly making incendiary speeches at a ‘Hindu Jan Aakrosh’ rally, held in Solapur, Maharashtra on January 6. Referring to the same, the letter states that “There can be no doubt that if, with Lok Sabha elections around the corner the Mira-Road Bhayander police allows T Raja Singh to address the public, this will not just be a recipe for disaster but will polarise the atmosphere and create the social climate to ensure that the vulnerable sections are prone to aggression and violence.”

The complaint also provides the recent directives issued by the Supreme Court of India in regards to curbing hate speeches, which directs the police to video tape such events that has a probability of hate speeches being delivered and then file suo-moto FIRs against the speakers and organisers. 

Concerned with the role that hate speeches play in stoking communal fires and instigating violence, CJP also mentioned that “Even as the law enforcement agencies had taken stringent action against those who had indulged in vandalism and violence at the time and attempted to bring the situation under control when groups belonging to different faiths had clashed, it was the dissemination of hate speech and incendiary rhetoric by the two elected representatives of the Bharatiya Janata Party, namely Geeta Jain and Nitesh Rane, that had further exacerbated tensions and contributed to the breakdown of law and order. It was only following the hate speeches delivered by these influential political personalities, especially MLA Geeta Jain, that on January 24, mobs on bikes with saffron flags had gone on a spree and vandalised shops of Muslim establishments.”

Noting the same, the letter further states “In this background, permitting another representative from the same political party, especially with a history of delivering violent hate speeches, will definitely lead to another untoward situation developing in the area.”

With this substantive background and facts, CJP urged for the Maharashtra police to urge you to take action as per sections 149 (Police to prevent cognizable offences), 150 (Information of design to commit cognizable offences) and 151 (Arrest to prevent the commission of cognizable offences) of the CrPC and any other provisions of law, as deemed necessary by the police.

The complete letter to the police can be read here:

Related:

Mumbai: Hate offender, T Raja Singh plans to come to Mira Road, as citizens file a complaint against politicians who stoked hate

Chhattisgarh & Maharashtra: SC directs police to ensure no hate speech by BJP MLA Raja Singh & Hindu Jan Jagruti Samiti rallies

Notorious hate speech offender T Raja Singh has another case filed against him

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 CJP to Maharashtra Police: Halt BJP MLA Raja Singh’s rally in Mira Road, citing potential for public disruptions 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.

Mira Road was gripped with tension for days in the last week of January. The unsettling atmosphere was charged with fear after a group of young men on motorcycles, allegedly came and in a disruptive manner near local mosques. On the evening of January 22nd, people reportedly associated with Hindutva groups took to violence and started attacking Muslim owned shops and vehicles in the area. They engaged in stone-pelting, beating, and even arson in some cases. What followed this is reports that all those who faced action by the police were Muslim youth. A report by Scroll in the aftermath of the violence has stated that most of the stringent cases of law are filed against Muslims, while Hindus have faced charges for minor offences. Advocate Shahood Anwar, who is representing the shop owners, has stated according to Scroll that during the clashes about 22 shops owned by Muslims were subjected to vandalism. However, as of now, the police have not filed an FIR in any of these cases. 

Following the Mira Road incident, multiple incidents of public violence against Muslims took place in the city. 

Similarly, on January 20 a family who is based in Mumbai’s Chembur were returning home to be reportedly beaten up and harassed by a right-wing mob and forced to say Jai Sri Raam at Mumbai’s Panvel railway station. Upon taking their reserved seats, the survivor recounted how approximately 30-40 young men started a chorus of Jai Shri Ram slogans around the family, which included two young girls. The family continued to maintain a composed state but the chanting got worse with more people joining in and shouting “Mere Bharat Ka Bachha Bachha Jai Shri Ram Bolega.” The father of the family later tried to lodge a complaint, however it was reported that while at the station a BJP leader was present who demanded him to withdraw his complaint and instead, despite being subject of harassment, he says he himself has been booked by the police. 

Furthermore, on January 22nd, a similar incident unfolded near Mira Road in Mumbai, where a Muslim man found himself forced to get off from his bike and chant ‘Jai Sri Ram’ after a mob attacked him. The incident was caught on camera and went viral on social media. 

In a separate incident in Byculla, two Muslim youth reportedly were assaulted and, again, forced into chanting ‘Jai Sri Ram.’ The harrowing video of the crime was uploaded on social media and shows the two people who are visibly injured and bleeding, and are trying to talk about the traumatic looking very shocked. Some reports also alleged that there were women present at the scene who were also harassed, including a minor. 

 BJP politicians seem to be central in the controversy of anti-Muslim sentiments. In Mumbai’s Mira Road too, local MLAs Geeta Jain and Nitesh Rane reportedly tried to lead a Hindutva rally in the affected areas after the violence took place. They even gave the police an ‘ultimatum’ to let them conduct a rally as well. Rane even tweeted during the tense period, a part of which said “chun chun ke maarenge.”

Furthermore, almost two weeks after the incident, Rane was witnessed in Govandi’s Shivaji Nagar at Hindutva rally which was marked with reports of aggressive anti-Muslim slogans., such as “Band karo, band karo, Love-jihad band karo,” and “Tu Durga ban, tu kali ban, kabhi na burqe wali ban.”

Addressing the media, Nitesh Rane delivered an incendiary statement and promised a similar result to what happened in Mira Road for the people of Shivaji Nagar. He asserted, “Shivaji Nagar will also have the bulldozer. The Hindu here is also not safe. All of our Mankur-Shivajinagar area is becoming a mini-Bangladesh. Today our Hindu samaj stepped on the streets. Today here, a huge number of ‘illegal’ Masjids and madarsa are created by land jihad, these should be removed. Otherwise, we will do whatever we can – with the government. What happened in Mira Road, will happen here too, the bulldozer will be deployed.”

In the year 2023, Indian Express reported that Maharashtra witnessed 50 Hindutva rallies in the state in a span of 3 months. A few of these rallies were also held in the neighbourhood of Mira Road which saw violence against Muslims this year. Several speakers seen at the rallies also reportedly called for an economic boycott of Muslims. As per the report, the BJP has distanced itself from these rallies, however, it notes that BJP MPs and MLAs were present in almost all of these rallies. This shows how the state, which includes the financial capital of India, Mumbai, seems to be catching with communalism as Hindutva groups raise efforts to communalise the state. 

 Related:

 BJP MLA Nitesh Rane leads Hindutva Rally in Govandi, demands demolition of “illegal Masjids and Madrasa”

Debunking Myths: A Critical Analysis of Hindu American Foundation’s Ram Temple Narrative

Around the inauguration of Ram Temple, communal tension erupted in Uttar Pradesh

The post Is Mumbai becoming a hotbed of hate? appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The complaint has been signed by Sadique Basha, Adv. Sanjay Pande, ⁠Sukhdev Banbanci, ⁠Saboor Ansari, Jhulmi Ram Yadav(Writer), ⁠Vinod Chand and ⁠Saroja Rajeshwari.

The detailed complaint states that on January 22, motorcycles adorned with saffron flags converged upon Naya Nagar, Mira Road, with the intent to incite fear and inflict harm upon local residents. Despite efforts by law enforcement to contain the situation, instances of vandalism and violence persisted, as evidenced by reported vehicular damage and other acts of aggression. The dissemination of hate speech and incendiary rhetoric by elected representatives, notably MLA Geeta Jain, further exacerbated tensions and contributed to the breakdown of law and order.

Furthermore, on January 23, false narratives perpetuated by MLA Geeta Bharat Jain regarding barricades purportedly erected by Muslims and discriminatory practices against Hindus only served to inflame communal tensions. Her misleading remarks and baseless assertions during interviews with media outlets, wherein she falsely alleged that Muslims were demanding “10-15 minutes (freehand),” only added fuel to the fire. Moreover, her statement claiming, “We are greater in numbers, if they need 10-15 minutes, we only need 5 minutes which will be good enough for them,” lacks any substantiation and further aggravates the situation.

Following her hate speech, on the next day, January 24, mobs on bikes with saffron flags went on a spree and vandalised shops of Muslim establishments. She demanded that the barricades, which were put up by the police administration to ensure law and order, be removed.

It is deeply troubling that despite arrests made in connection with the initial altercation on January 21st, no substantive action has been taken against those responsible for subsequent acts of violence and vandalism on January 22 and 24. The individuals behind these reprehensible acts, including MLA Geeta Jain and MLA Nitesh Rane, must be held accountable for their role in inciting communal strife and perpetuating hate speech.

The complaint demands that the police must:

1. Conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents of violence and vandalism on January 22 and 24 and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
2. Initiate legal proceedings against MLA Geeta Jain and MLA Nitesh Rane under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including but not limited to:

• Section 153A: Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony.
• Section 295A: Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.
• Section 505: Making, publishing, or circulating any statement, rumour, or report with intent to incite, or which is likely to incite, any class or community of persons to commit any offence against any other class or community.
• Section 427: Mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees or upwards.
• Section 186: Obstructing public servants in discharge of public functions.

Provide reassurance to the residents of our community that their safety and security are paramount and that measures are being taken to prevent further incidents of communal tension and lawlessness.

Finally drawing a distinction between free speech and hate speech, residents of Mira Road have quoted substantively from several judgements of the Supreme Court of India on the issue, including recent directives to ensure that guilty politicians are prosecuted.

The entire complaint may be read here:

Date : February 3, 2024

To,

Senior PI, Nayanagar Police Station, Vilas Supe

CC: Commissioner of Police
Mira-Bhayandar Vasai Virar

Subject: Urgent Demand for FIR against MLA Geeta Jain and MLA Nitesh Rane

Respected Sir,

We write to you with great concern regarding the distressing series of events that have recently unfolded in our city, particularly the concerning incidents of communal tension and lawlessness that occurred on January 21, 22, and 24. It is imperative that immediate action is taken to address the root cause of these events and ensure justice for the affected community.

On January 21, 2024 an altercation between two groups escalated into a situation of heightened communal tensions, resulting in vehicular damage and minor injuries. While the prompt response of the police administration in barricading and sealing off the affected area was commendable, it proved insufficient in quelling the subsequent wave of violence and unrest.

Subsequently, on January 22, motorcycles adorned with saffron flags converged upon Naya Nagar, Mira Road, with the intent to incite fear and inflict harm upon local residents. Despite efforts by law enforcement to contain the situation, instances of vandalism and violence persisted, as evidenced by reported vehicular damage and other acts of aggression. The dissemination of hate speech and incendiary rhetoric by elected representatives, notably MLA Geeta Jain, further exacerbated tensions and contributed to the breakdown of law and order.

Furthermore, on January 23, false narratives perpetuated by MLA Geeta Bharat Jain regarding barricades purportedly erected by Muslims and discriminatory practices against Hindus only served to inflame communal tensions. Her misleading remarks and baseless assertions during interviews with media outlets, wherein she falsely alleged that Muslims were demanding “10-15 minutes (freehand),” only added fuel to the fire. Moreover, her statement claiming, “We are greater in numbers, if they need 10-15 minutes, we only need 5 minutes which will be good enough for them,” lacks any substantiation and further aggravates the situation.

Following her hate speech, on the next day, January 24, mobs on bikes with saffron flags went on a spree and vandalised shops of Muslim establishments. She demanded that the barricades, which were put up by the police administration to ensure law and order, be removed.

It is deeply troubling that despite arrests made in connection with the initial altercation on January 21st, no substantive action has been taken against those responsible for subsequent acts of violence and vandalism on January 22 and 24. The individuals behind these reprehensible acts, including MLA Geeta Jain and MLA Nitesh Rane, must be held accountable for their role in inciting communal strife and perpetuating hate speech.

Therefore, we urge you to take immediate action to address the following demands:

1. Conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents of violence and vandalism on January 22 and 24 and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
2. Initiate legal proceedings against MLA Geeta Jain and MLA Nitesh Rane under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including but not limited to:

• Section 153A: Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony.
• Section 295A: Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.
• Section 505: Making, publishing, or circulating any statement, rumour, or report with intent to incite, or which is likely to incite, any class or community of persons to commit any offence against any other class or community.
• Section 427: Mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees or upwards.
• Section 186: Obstructing public servants in discharge of public functions.

Provide reassurance to the residents of our community that their safety and security are paramount and that measures are being taken to prevent further incidents of communal tension and lawlessness.

Sir you must be aware of recent judgements and jurisprudence from the Honourable Supreme Court that clearly distinguish between hate speech and free speech.

Free Speech is not Hate Speech, Sir as the latter (Hate Speech) often misuses positions of power and privilege to further marginalise and stigmatise a section that is structurally, socially and politically disadvantaged. Unchecked proliferation of such telecasts by the electronic media have the deleterious impact of misinforming and prejudicing public discourse, often as a precursor to social ostracization and even violence.

Honourable Supreme Court on Hate Speech:

1. In the case of Amish Devgan vs. Union of India and others [Writ Petition (Criminal) No. 160 OF 2020 decided on December 7, 2020], the Supreme Court held thus,

“The unity and integrity of the nation cannot be overlooked and slighted, as the acts that ‘promote’ or are ‘likely’ to ‘promote’ divisiveness, alienation and schematism do directly and indirectly impinge on the diversity and pluralism, and when they are with the objective and intent to cause public disorder or to demean dignity of the targeted groups, they have to be dealt with as per law….Such threats not only insidiously weaken virtue and superiority of diversity, but cut-back and lead to demands depending on the context and occasion, for suppression of freedom to express and speak on the ground of reasonableness. Freedom and rights cannot extend to create public disorder or armour those who challenge integrity and unity of the country or promote and incite violence.”

“In this context, it is necessary to draw a distinction between ‘free speech’ which includes the right to comment, favour or criticise government policies; and ‘hate 10 speech’ creating or spreading hatred against a targeted community or group….The object of criminalising the latter type of speech is to protect the dignity (as explained above) and to ensure political and social equality between different identities and groups regardless of caste, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, linguistic preference etc.” (Para 54)

1. In Pravasi Bhalai Sangathan v. Union of India (writ petition (c) no. 157 of 2013) decided on March 12, 2014, (Para 7), the Supreme Court had unambiguously stated:

Hate speech is an effort to marginalise individuals based on their membership in a group. Using expression that exposes the group to hatred, hate speech seeks to delegitimise group members in the eyes of the majority, reducing their social standing and acceptance within society. Hate speech, therefore, rises beyond causing distress to individual group members. It can have a societal impact. Hate speech lays the groundwork for later, broad attacks on vulnerable that can range from discrimination, to ostracism, segregation, deportation, violence and, in the most extreme cases, to genocide. Hate speech also impacts a protected group’s ability to respond to the substantive ideas under debate, thereby placing a serious barrier to their full participation in our democracy. (Para 7)

• The Law Commission Report, 2017 stated that “hate speech has the potential of provoking individuals or society to commit acts of terrorism, genocides, ethnic cleansing etc. Such speech is considered outside the realm of protective discourse. Indisputably, offensive speech has real and devastating effects on people’s lives and risks their health and safety. It is harmful and divisive for communities and hampers social progress. If left unchecked hate speech can severely affect right to life of every individual.” (Chapter VI, Para 6.5)

1. In the Sudarshan News case (Firoz Iqbal Khan v UOI – WP[CIV] NO. 956/2020]), the Supreme Court had observed that, “the edifice of a democratic society committed to the rule of law under a regime of constitutional rights, values and duties is founded on the co-existence of communities. India is a melting pot of civilizations, cultures, religions and languages. Any attempt to vilify a religious community must be viewed with grave disfavour by this Court as the custodian of constitutional values constitutional values demands nothing less.”

We would be happy to provide these Orders to you if so required/needed.

We trust that you will give due consideration to these urgent matters and take appropriate action to uphold the rule of law and ensure the well-being of our community. Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue.

Sincerely,

1. Sadique Basha
2. ⁠Adv. Sanjay Pande
3. ⁠Sukhdev Banbanci
4. ⁠Saboor Ansari
5. Alim Shaikh
6. Ahesan ISAF
7. Chand Shaikh
8. ⁠Jhulmi Ram Yadav
9. ⁠Vinod Chand
10. ⁠Saroja Rajeshwari

The post Conduct Fair Inquiry, take action against MLAs Geeta Jain and Nitesh Rane: Citizens of Mira Road-Bhayandar appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Sabrang India spoke to Sadique Basha, an activist on the ground, who have been trying to bring about peace in the area, and they have stated that the situation is normal now, relatively speaking. Their attempts at diffusing tensions and rallying for harmony have garnered more attention. Certain citizens have also created a petition urging for harmony and peace. As of now it has gotten over 2000 signatures.

Furthermore, a report by The Wire claims that people who went to file FIRs from the Muslim community found the police refusing to file FIRs despite the production of relevant evidence. Locals, according to the report by Wire, have claimed that the incident was a well-planned incident and also claim that the police failed to stop the attacks. A report by the Indian Express reveals that people believe there was an inadequate presence of police in “sensitive areas.” Furthermore, a senior police officer told Indian Express, the police had been prepared to deploy heavy security in Muslim-populated areas, however, he has also said, “We anticipated it but missed deploying heavy security in the area. Intensifying patrolling in the area may have prevented the first incident and it’s further snowballing.”

BJP MLAs, Nitesh Rane and Geeta Jain, both have been accused of stoking communal fires as they have been persistently demanding the police commissioner to allow them to hold a rally through the conflicted area. Rane has made incendiary posts on X, by making the statement “chun-chun ke marenge,” and Jain had released a video statement urging the administration to grant her five minutes of freehand and had given an ultimatum to the police that if they did not open the gates of the colony for their rally, they would come back with a crowd and rally without permission.

मीरा रोड मद्ये जे काल रात्री झाल..

एक याद रखना..

चुन चुन के मारेंगे !!!

जय श्री राम

— nitesh rane (@NiteshNRane) January 22, 2024

Journalist Nikhil Wagle has claimed today that the situation in Mira Road continues to remain “tense.” He has also urged the police to arrest MLA Geeta Jain for allegedly inciting riots. As of now, there are no reports of any FIR being registered against either Jain or Rane.

Mira road is still tense. Arrest BJP MLA Geeta Jain for instigating riots. @mieknathshinde @Dev_Fadnavis @DGPMaharashtra @CMOMaharashtra @PawarSpeaks @OfficeofUT

— nikhil wagle (@waglenikhil) January 25, 2024

Related:

Tensions high at Mumbai’s Mira Road as local BJP MLAs give ultimatum to police

Riddles of Ayodhya Ram Temple: Consecration of Bhagwan Ram’s idol, but which one?

January 2024: Raking up the myth of temple demolition

Five states report communal incidents following the inauguration of the Ram Temple in UP

The post Mira Road remains tense after violence outbreak appeared first on SabrangIndia.