Prophet Remarks Row: FIR Filed In Connection With Protests Outside Jama Masjid

A case has been registered under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the IPC against the protesters, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Shweta Chauhan said.

New Delhi: Delhi Police have registered a case in connection with the protest outside the Jama Masjid earlier on Friday to demand the arrest of suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma for her controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad, PTI reported officials as saying on Saturday.

This came as a large crowd of people had gathered on the steps of the Jama Masjid after the Friday prayers carrying placards and shouting slogans against Sharma and Naveen Jindal, former head of the Delhi BJP's media unit, for allegedly making derogatory remarks on the Prophet.

A case has been registered under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the IPC against the protesters, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Shweta Chauhan said.

Chauhan added further investigation into the matter is underway.

 “Around 1,500 people had gathered at the mosque for Friday prayers. When the prayers ended peacefully, some people came outside, started showing placards and shouted slogans,” the DCP said earlier on Friday.

“Some others also joined them later and the numbers went up to around 300,” she added, as per the news agency.

Chauhan further said “police deployment always remains at Jama Masjid during Friday prayers”.

“The protesters were dispersed within 10 to 15 minutes and the situation is peaceful. Legal action will be taken in connection with the incident,” Chauhan said.

“We have identified some of the miscreants and our teams are working to identify others,” she added.

Jama Masjid’s Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari had distanced himself from the protest.

Bukhari said “nobody knows who the protesters were” and demanded action against such people.

The row over the remarks against Prophet Mohammad escalated with protests from nations such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Iran.

This prompted the BJP to suspend Sharma and expel Jindal as the saffron party emphasized it respects all religions.

The FIR has been registered against 31 people, including All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) supremo Asaduddin Owaisi and controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand.

A separate case has been filed against Sharma for allegedly spreading hate and hurting religious sentiments.