Bihar Cleric Arrested for Controversial Remarks on UP Chief Minister's Mother

Cleric's Arrest Sparks Controversy

The police in Uttar Pradesh have taken a cleric from Bihar into custody for allegedly making derogatory comments regarding Chief Minister Adityanath's mother, as reported on Tuesday.

Two legal cases have been initiated against Maulana Abdullah Salim in Uttar Pradesh. The first complaint was lodged on March 7 in Balrampur by the district's Bharatiya Janata Party president, Ravi Mishra.

Salim reportedly made the controversial remarks on May 5, 2024, during a conference aimed at social reform and educational awareness in Bhagalpur, Bihar. These comments later gained traction on social media, prompting legal repercussions in Uttar Pradesh.

Mishra alleged that the cleric attempted to incite the Muslim community against the law that bans cow slaughter. The complaint indicated that Salim's statements provoked anger among BJP supporters and Hindus, potentially disrupting social harmony.

According to Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar, Salim has been charged under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to intentional insults that could incite public disorder and mischief.

Following his arrest, the cleric acknowledged his comments and expressed remorse. In a video statement recorded post-detention, he stated, “During the conference, I uttered some inappropriate and offensive words that should not have been said. I sincerely apologize for my actions.”

After being transferred to Uttar Pradesh, Salim was presented before a local court, which ordered him into judicial custody. He is currently held in a Bahraich jail.