Case registered against Jama Masjid protesters
The Hindu
Some demonstrators identified, team working to tracking the rest, say police
A case has been registered in connection with the protest staged outside the Jama Masjid after Friday prayers, the Delhi police said on Saturday.
Over 300 people had gathered on the steps of Jama Masjid, demanding the arrest of suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled Delhi BJP leader Naveen Kumar Jindal over their controversial remarks against Prophet Muhammad.
DCP (Central) Shweta Chauhan said the protesters have been booked under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code.
The police have identified some of the protesters, while a team is working to identify the rest, the DCP said, adding that ICCTV footage from the area has been acquired. More sections will be added to the FIR based on the investigation, which is under way, said the officer.
The Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, had distanced himself from the protest on Friday. “We weren’t aware of who the protesters were,” he had said, demanding action against them.
The protesters had gathered at the steps of gate number one of the mosque. They were carrying placards and raising slogans against Ms. Sharma and Mr. Kumar. The crowd was dispersed after 15-20 minutes, the DCP said, adding that the protest was staged on the street without any permission.
Mirajuddin Ali, 43, a worker at Jama Masjid, called it a peaceful protest. He said the protesters gathered after the 1 p.m. prayer and stood on the stairs demanding action against the two politicians.