Maha police summon Nupur Sharma over Prophet remark
THANE/NEW DELHI: Mumbra Police in Thane district on Tuesday summoned suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma by June 22 to record her statement in a case registered over her objectionable remarks against Prophet Mohammed last month.
Police have asked Sharma to appear for questioning within 15 days, i.e, till June 22 in connection with a case registered by a school teacher, Ashok Kadlag, senior inspector at Mumbra police station, said. HT has seen a copy of the notice.
“Based on a complaint given by a teacher, we have registered an FIR against Sharma and have sent summons via speed post and email to remain present in the police station within next 15 days i.e upto 22 June. We will question her on the basis of the complaint registered against her,” Kadlag said.
In the complaint, the teacher accused Sharma of hurting religious sentiments through her remarks against Prophet Mohammed during a live debate on a news channel last month.
The remarks triggered a slew of criticisms in West and South East Asia as several countries summoned Indian ambassadors to denounce the comments, prompting India to say that the statements reflected the “views of fringe elements” and not the government. Sharma was suspended by the BJP on Sunday.
The teacher’s case has been registered under Sections 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), 153A ( promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence), 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration) and 505(II) (statements conducive to public mischief) of Indian Penal Code, police said. A case against the suspended BJP functionary was also registered in Bhiwandi in Thane. Ambernath Police has also received a complaint against Sharma but is yet to register a FIR, people familiar with the matter said. Meanwhile, Sharma was provided security by Delhi Police on Tuesday after an FIR was registered on a complaint that she was getting death threats over her remarks.
“Sharma and her family were provided police security after she alleged that she was receiving threats and was being harassed,” a Delhi Police official said, seeking anonymity.