Prophet Remark Row: Protest In Hyderabad After Suspended BJP MLA T Raja Released On Bail

Prominent Muslim bodies called for strict action against suspended Telangana BJP MLA T Raja Singh over his controversial remarks allegedly aimed at Prophet Mohammad.

Hyderabad: Protestors took to street after T Raja Singh was released on bail after getting arrested for making derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad. ( Image Source :Ashish Pandey )

Protests continued in Hyderabad after suspended BJP MLA T Raja Singh was released on bail on Tuesday. The Hyderabad police resorted to use of mild lathi charge in Purana Pul area of the city on Tuesday night as protestors took to the street to protest against Singh's bail. Sporadic protests continued in several parts of the city against Singh for his alleged derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad for which he was arrested but later got bail. 

Protestors took to Charminar to protest against Singh which was later cleared by the police. To maintain peace and keep the situation under control, the Deputy Commissioner of Police and Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) camped in the Charminar area. 

A journalist was injured in the stone pelting during the protest whereas a vehicle was also damaged by the protestors. Mid night protest had also erupted in the Shah Ali Banda area of the city after which All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen MLA from Malakpet reached the spot and negotiated with protestors after which they were sent back home. 

T Raja Singh was arrested by the Hyderabad Police on Tuesday for his derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad. Hours after Goshamahal MLA's arrest, the BJP Central Disciplinary Committee suspended him from the party for clear violation of the constitution of the party.

His arrest came just a day after he released a video criticising stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui who recently performed in the city. In the video, Singh is also purportedly seen making some comments aimed at the Prophet Muhammad although his supporters have argued that he did not name any religion or religious figure. 

Muslim Bodies Call For Strict Action Against T Raja Singh 

Prominent Muslim bodies on Tuesday called for strict action against suspended Telangana BJP MLA T Raja Singh over his controversial remarks allegedly aimed at Prophet Mohammad and demanded a law to protect the sanctity of religious figures.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind chief Maulana Mahmood Madani slammed Raja's remarks as "very shameful" and "shocking".

In a statement, Madani said the arrest of Singh and the disciplinary action taken by the BJP against him were the need of the hour. However, he said it is not sufficient and such offenders should be given "exemplary punishment".

Madani termed Singh's remarks a "disgraceful act". He said he has been demanding that a law be made to protect the sanctity of religious figures. He also appealed to the people to maintain peace and avoid taking law into their hands.

All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) general secretary Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani said that the personality of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) of Islam is dear to all Muslims, even more than their own existence and their children.

Derogatory words about him are unbearable for Muslims but unfortunately communal leaders have started speaking against the Prophet to hurt the sentiments of the Muslims, he said in a statement.

"A recent example of which is the shameful statement of Hyderabad BJP leader T Raja Singh. The government should rein in such miscreants. Make effective laws related to this and implement the existing laws with full force," Rahmani said.

He appealed to Muslims to show patience and asked the government to use the power of law to bring to justice such "criminals".

Rahmani said that in the upcoming month of 'Rabi-ul-Awwal' Muslim organizations, madrassas, mosques and Muslims should invite non-Muslims and present the real and true biography of the Prophet to dispel wrong notions.

(With PTI inputs)