Maulana Abdullah Salim Chaturvedi, a prominent Indian cleric and leader of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUI), was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) in Bihar, following intelligence inputs. His detention has sparked allegations of torture, with videos circulating on social media showing him walking with difficulty, though these claims remain unverified.
The arrest followed the registration of two FIRs in Uttar Pradesh after protests by Hindu extremist groups. One FIR was filed by Ravi Mishra of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and another by Ajit Pratap Singh from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). These complaints relate to a speech Chaturvedi delivered on May 5, 2024, at a conference focused on social reform and educational awareness in Bihar.
During his speech, the cleric criticized India’s ban on cow meat and controversially compared the punishments for rape and possession of cow meat. He argued that penalties for sexual assault were less severe, while strict “shoot-at-sight” policies were reportedly enforced in cases involving cow meat.
After being brought to Uttar Pradesh, Chaturvedi was presented before a local court, which placed him in judicial custody. He was subsequently sent to jail on Tuesday. In a video statement recorded post-arrest, the cleric issued an apology for his remarks.
Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind leaders have called on their president, Maulana Syed Mahmood Asad Madani, to provide immediate legal support and publicly address the arrest. A joint statement from district officials described Chaturvedi as a respected religious scholar, asserting that parts of his speech were taken out of context, causing misunderstandings despite his clarifications and apology.
Separately, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) voiced its support for the cleric. Party spokesperson Aadil Hasan condemned the Uttar Pradesh Police’s actions under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, labeling the arrest unjustified and affirming the party’s solidarity with Chaturvedi.
The incident has ignited significant controversy, highlighting tensions surrounding freedom of speech and religious sensitivities in India.
