The Gujarat Police on Wednesday filed a case against a Hinduvta activist and an oncologist who allegedly made inflammatory speeches about Muslims during a protest against the inauguration of a hotel in Anand city, The Indian Express reported.
The police have booked the oncologist, Shailesh Shah, and the activist, Pinkal Bhatiya, under Section 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) and Section 114 (crime committed in the presence of abettor) of the Indian Penal Code.
Anand Town Police Station inspector Yashwant Chauhan told The Indian Express that they are in the process of collecting evidence and documents, and recording the statements of the persons involved.
On October 24, a group of people had objected to the inauguration of the Blue Ivy Hotel, which is co-owned by a Hindu and two Muslim businesspersons.
Videos shared by MuslimMirror.com had shown a group of people pouring “gangajal” (water from the river Ganga) to “purify” the road. They shouted slogans of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and demanded that everyone who wants to live in India must chant “Jai Shri Ram”.
Shah, one of the accused persons, told Deccan Herald: “I don’t approve of it [targeting of any community]. Our protest was against illegal construction of the hotel. During the protest, other people made some objectionable comments.”
The oncologist lives next to the hotel, according to The Indian Express. The Gujarat High Court is currently hearing a dispute in which he has alleged illegal construction at the hotel.
This story first appeared on scroll.in
