Assam Congress MLA arrested for derogatory remarks against Hindu priests, saints

Congress MLA Aftab Uddin Mollah was arrested by Assam police early Wednesday

GUWAHATI | Updated: 08 November, 2023 4:24 pm IST
Congress MLA Aftab Uddin Mollah was arrested by Assam police

GUWAHATI: Congress MLA Aftab Uddin Mollah was arrested by Assam police early Wednesday following allegations of making derogatory comments against Hindu priests and saints during a public meeting in Guwahati’s Goalpara district earlier this month.

The arrest came in response to a First Information Report (FIR) filed by Dipak Kumar Das, accusing Mollah of intentionally making remarks that hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus and promoted enmity between Hindus and Muslims.

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The FIR, lodged at the Dispur police station, accused Mollah of violating sections 295(A), 153(A)(1)(b), and 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), pertaining to outrage of religious feelings, promoting enmity among religious groups, and intent to create religious discord. Guwahati Commissioner of Police, Diganta Barah, confirmed the arrest and stated that Mollah would be produced in court later in the day.

During the public meeting in Goalpara, Mollah allegedly made offensive comments, comparing the conduct of Hindu and Muslim people in society. He also made disparaging remarks targeting Badruddin Ajmal, the leader of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF). Mollah’s comments particularly targeted Hindu priests and Vaishnava monks, accusing them of wrongdoing.

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However, following a public outcry in Assam, Mollah issued a public apology. Nevertheless, the Assam Congress party’s chief, Bhupen Kumar Borah, served him a show-cause notice, asking for an immediate response regarding potential disciplinary actions.

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