Protests broke out in Bhaderwah town of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday after Varinder Razdan, head of the Shri Sanatan Dharam Sabha, shared a controversial post on social media. The post was seen as offensive by both Hindu and Muslim communities, sparking widespread anger and tension in the area.
Anjuman-e-Islamia organised a rally from a local mosque to Bhaderwah police station demanding the arrest of the accused. The members expressed their resentment and alleged that the social media post hurts religious sentiments. After assurance from the SP that action will be taken against the accused soon, tensions eased in the area.
An FIR was registered against Razdan and police confirmed that raids are being conducted to apprehend the accused. The SP said that a case has been registered under Section 399 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings. Meanwhile, the internet was suspended as a precautionary method, said the police. Several shops were shut in response to the call by Anjuman-e-Islamia.
Doda Police posted on X and said, “An FIR has been registered against the person responsible for uploading the responsible content on a social media site. Action as warranted under law shall take its due course. Remain cautious. Do not share or forward messages or videos spreading communal hatred.”
The president of anjumane Islamia Riyaz Ahmed demanding the arrest of the culprit said, “The peaceful protest will continue until he is arrested. This is not the first time he has made such a remark against our religion; he needs to be dealt with as per the law as he is a habitual offender.”
