Protests were also reported from several other locations in the old city area
Hyderabad:
A large crowd of protesters gathered in Hyderabad last night demanding action against T Raja Singh, BJP MLA suspended for bail after being arrested for allegedly insulting remarks to the Prophet Muhammad.
Police used a canopy to prevent protesters from holding religious slogans, burning effigies and hurling stones. Protests were also reported from several other locations in the ancient city of Hyderabad area, including Charminar.
T Raja Singh was arrested on Tuesday after a case was registered against him for hurting religious sentiments and promoting hostility between different groups for religious reasons. Hours later, he was released on bail when the court denied the police’s request for custody.
Mr. Singh was suspended by the BJP and given a pause notice within hours of his arrest. The party claims that he has expressed opposing views on various issues.
Massive protests broke out in the city on Tuesday evening as well as Mr Singh’s release, prompting police to beef up security. He released a 10-minute video allegedly making insulting comments to the Prophet Muhammad, which was later removed by the social media platform it was uploaded to.
While stroking comedian Munawar Faruqui, whom he recently tried unsuccessfully to interrupt a performance, he said it was a “comedy” video like Mr. Hindu god. He asked why Ram and Sita’s insult could turn into comedy and not other characters revered by other communities.
Mr Singh’s controversial comments come just months after former BJP spokeswoman Nupur Sharma sparked a major diplomatic backlash with her remarks about the Prophet. Nupur Sharma has been suspended by the BJP and has up to 10 lawsuits against her across the country.
Telangana BJP director Bandi Sanjay Kumar alleged that Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao’s Telangana Chief Rashtra Samiti had tried to cause community riots in the city to deflect attention from allegations of abuse. Her daughter is involved in an excise policy case in Delhi.
Some BJP leaders have previously claimed that K Kavitha acts as a “middleman” between the alcohol mafia and the government of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Ms. Kavitha then filed a defamation lawsuit against BJP, whereby a Hyderabad court issued notices to two BJP leaders and asked them not to make any defamatory comments against her until have a decision.
