Jama Masjid Protest: Police held two persons under section 153A

On Saturday, Delhi Police arrested two people in connection with the Jama Masjid protest on Friday, which was held in response to controversial remarks against Prophet Muhammad made by suspended BJP spokeswoman Nupur Sharma and expelled politician Naveen Jindal.

“Last night, two people were arrested under section 153A of the Indian Penal Code. We were aware that Friday namaz is always crowded, and that something could happen. However, the manner in which individuals arrived after performing namaz with banners and placards suggests that there was some sort of planning involved ” stated Shweta Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Central District.

Promoting animosity between various groups on the basis of religion, race, place of birth, domicile, language, etc. is punishable under Section 153A of the IPC, as are activities harmful to the maintenance of harmony.

DCP further added “We’re looking into the situation and the WhatsApp messages that went around about it. A total of 4-5 locals were discovered during the initial investigation. However, the majority of the inhabitants are not from the area.”

Earlier on Friday, after Friday prayers at Delhi’s Jama Masjid, a large protest erupted over alleged provocative remarks made by suspended BJP politician Nupur Sharma and expelled BJP leader Naveen Jindal.

The demonstrators were reportedly evacuated and the situation was brought under control, according to Delhi Police.

All of this came as a global outcry erupted over suspended BJP spokesman Nupur Sharma’s alleged statements toward the Prophet Muhammad.