Tensions in Old City over insensitive remarks

A man identified as Syed Abbas Ali Rizvi, belonging to the Akbhari group of the Shia community, allegedly made some remarks at a public meeting.

Some posted the video on social media platforms and it went viral drawing criticism from several groups.

Police is monitoring the situation.

Following a video of a person making derogatory comments against prominent figures in Islam went viral, mild tension prevailed at Yakutpura and surrounding areas of the Old City on Tuesday night and Wednesday. On Wednesday, a person approached DCP south zone and filed a complaint against the person who made the comments.

The man identified in the video as Syed Abbas Ali Rizvi, belonging to the Akbhari group of the Shia community, allegedly made some remarks at a public meeting. Some persons posted the video on social media platforms and it went viral drawing criticism from several groups. A person named Syed Wasif Hussain approached the DCP South zone and lodged a complaint following which a case under Sections 295, 505, 153A, 295A of the Indian Penal Code was registered.

Syed Wasif Hussain said, “While I was browsing the net I came across a video of Abbas Ali Rizvi using unparliamentary language against the First three Caliphs, wives and other companions of Prophet Muhammad with an evil intention or to hurt religious sentiments and incite violence”.

He urged the police to initiate action against Abbas Ali Rizvi in the complaint.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Anjani Kumar on Wednesday convened a meeting of different Muslim religious groups and appealed to show tolerance to ensure peace and avoid making derogatory remarks against each other.

He said miscreants are attempting to disturb the peaceful atmosphere in the city, particularly in the Old City eying on the ensuing elections, however, the police will not allow such activities.

He appealed to both Shia and Sunni scholars to discourage such persons who are trying to promote enmity amongst the different sects of Muslims. Mr Anjani Kumar noted that the police will take stern action against whoever tries to hamper the peaceful atmosphere.

The relgious leaders from both Shia and Sunni groups gave suggestions and assured the authorities that they will ensure peace wil prevail in the Old City.