FIR Filed Against Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah Over Controversial Remarks
Legal Action Against Vijay Shah
A first information report (FIR) was lodged against Vijay Shah, a minister from Madhya Pradesh and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, at the Manpur police station in Indore on Wednesday night. This action follows his comments allegedly directed at Colonel Sofia Qureshi.
The FIR was prompted by a directive from the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which instructed the Director General of Police, Kailash Makwana, to initiate legal proceedings against Shah.
Additionally, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has also called for action against Shah.
During an event in Mahu on Tuesday, Shah remarked that those responsible for widowing Indian daughters had been taught a lesson by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, implying that the Prime Minister had sent a representative from their own community. Shah reiterated this statement shortly after making it.
Although he did not specify anyone by name, opposition parties claimed that Shah's comments were aimed at Qureshi, who serves as an official spokesperson during media briefings related to Operation Sindoor.
The FIR cites several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those concerning actions that threaten India's sovereignty and communal harmony.
Earlier on Wednesday, a High Court bench noted that Shah's remarks clearly referenced Qureshi.
In response to the backlash, Shah expressed regret on Wednesday, stating he felt 'ashamed and saddened' by his earlier comments.
He acknowledged Qureshi's contributions, emphasizing her dedication to her national duties beyond societal divisions.
मैं विजय शाह, हाल ही में मेरे दिए गए बयान से, जो हर समाज की भावनाएँ आहत हुई हैं, उसके लिए मैं दिल से न केवल शर्मिंदा हूँ, दुखी हूँ, बल्कि माफ़ी चाहता हूँ।
— Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah (@KrVijayShah) May 14, 2025
हमारे देश की बहन सोफिया कुरैशी जी ने राष्ट्र धर्म निभाते हुए जाति और समाज से ऊपर उठकर, उन्होंने काम किया है। pic.twitter.com/0qhO895ahl
On Tuesday, he clarified that his comments should not be misinterpreted, asserting that they were not meant to be taken in a negative light.
He further stated that Qureshi and others like her are respected and have shown great strength alongside the armed forces.
In a statement, he mentioned that Qureshi has brought honor to India by transcending caste and religion, and he expressed his willingness to apologize multiple times if his words had offended anyone.