Bihar Cleric Arrested for Offensive Remarks Against UP CM's Mother

The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh has apprehended a cleric from Bihar for allegedly making offensive remarks about the mother of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Maulana Abdullah Salim, a resident of Jokihat in Araria district, was arrested late Monday night in Purnia and subsequently transported to Uttar Pradesh for further legal proceedings. He has been taken to Gorakhpur, although it remains unclear whether he will be interrogated there or sent to Lucknow. Authorities are also searching for potential accomplices in this case.

 

Numerous complaints have been filed across the country regarding the cleric's alleged comments about the Chief Minister's mother. Reports indicate that this cleric, linked to the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), made these remarks during the month of Ramadan, leading to a viral video of the incident. Akhtarul Iman, the MLA from the Amour constituency in Bihar, confirmed the arrest of Maulana Salim on Monday, stating that he was taken from his assembly area. Initially, there was confusion regarding whether Salim had been arrested or kidnapped, prompting the district police superintendent to be informed.

Akhtarul Iman mentioned that there were reports of some individuals taking the cleric away; however, it was still unclear if it was an abduction or an arrest. This controversy originated from comments made by Salim targeting Yogi Adityanath's mother during a religious gathering in early March. He also allegedly made inflammatory remarks related to cow protection laws in Uttar Pradesh.

 

A video of these comments went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage across the state. The police have registered FIRs in over 80 police stations, and protests have erupted in several locations, with demonstrators demanding strict action against the cleric. Officials have described the situation as highly sensitive and continue to investigate the matter.