MP: ‘Unnamed’ Men Booked for Objectionable Slogan on Prophet at ‘Pathan’ Protest

Bhopal: A 15-second-long purported video of some Bajrang Dal men passing indecent comments on Prophet Mohammad created an uproar among Muslim residents of Indore on Wednesday.

While opposing the screening of the film ‘Pathan’ at Indore's Kasturi Cineplex, Bajrang Dal leader Tannu Sharma, along with others, was heard raising an objectionable slogan on Wednesday morning, as per a purported video.

#INDORE

हिंदू जागरण मंच के विरोध के बाद आईनाक्स ने पठान का शो किया रद्द !#PathanMovie pic.twitter.com/6UH76krKmv

— काश/if Kakvi (@KashifKakvi) January 25, 2023

As the video circulated on social media, discontent grew among the Muslims and thousands of people hit the streets picketing Chandan Nagar police station demanding strict action against the Bajrang Dal men within an hour. 

Apart from Chandan Nagar, a large number of Muslims also picketed Chatripura and Sadar Bazar police station demanding action.

The film, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, released to packed halls across the country on Wednesday. Hindu outfits have been opposing its release, claiming that one of the songs “offends Hindu sentiments”.

Incidentally, at a BJP meeting in Delhi recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called upon party members to refrain from opposing films to “grab headlines”.

In Indore, a screening was cancelled and several shows disrupted following Right-Wing groups launching protests against the film across the city. Besides Indore, protests erupted in Bhopal, Gwalior, Barwani and others. 

During the protest, Bajrang Dal and other such outfit members removed posters of the film and disrupted screening in one of the multiplexes in Indore. According to the purported viral video, they forced out viewers who were watching the film in the theatre.

Sensing the gravity of the situation which put the city on edge, Chatripura police lodged an FIR against unknown persons under Section 505 of the IPC to ward off pressure. 

The police lodged the FIR after Indore Police commissioner HC Mishra intervened.

इंदौर में पठान फ़िल्म के विरोध पर इंदौर कमिश्नर @hariips का बयान:-

- कस्तूरी सिनेप्लेक्स पर बजरंग दल कार्यकर्ताओं द्वारा लगाए गए अपत्तिजन नारे पर होगी FIR.

- शहर के सभी सिनेमाघरों में चल रही है पठान। पर्याप्त सुरक्षा मुहैया कराई गईं है।

- कुछ जगहों पर विरोध की सूचना आई है। pic.twitter.com/9HnpM71bgm

— काश/if Kakvi (@KashifKakvi) January 25, 2023

Speaking to reporters, town inspector of Chatripura police Pawan Singhal, without naming any outfit, said: "Many organisations were opposing the screening of film ‘Pathan’ including in Chatripura locality. Meanwhile, a protestor raised objectionable comments which hurt the sentiments of a particular community. On their complaints, we have lodged an FIR and actions will be taken accordingly."

Even though the complaint of Mufti-e-Shahar Syed Sabir Ali has names of the accused who raised the slogans with the proof, Indore police lodged an FIR against unknown persons.  

Speaking to the media, one of the protesters, Manzur Beg, told reporters, "District administration has given a freehand to the Hindu right-wing groups who often put the city on edge by hurting religious sentiments. They often barge inside flats, assault passersby after knowing their religion. And despite repeated complaints, police didn't act which has created resentment among the Muslim community."

He alleged that "Under the garb of protesting against ‘Pathan’, Hindu organisations are targeting our community and its members by raising objectionable slogans against our Prophet. Instead of taking strict action, yet, police are supporting them."   

Meanwhile, Indore commissioner told reporters that adequate security is being provided to cinema halls where ‘Pathan’ is being screened and strict action will be taken against offenders.