Assam Congress MLA arrested for comments against Hindu priests

Guwahati: The Assam Police on Wednesday arrested Congress MLA Aftabuddin Mollah on charges of making derogatory remarks about the Hindu priests.

Police said that a case has been registered at the Dispur Police station against Aftabuddin Mollah under Sections 295(a)/ 153A(1)(b)/505(2) IPC).

The Congress MLA is alleged to have delivered an inflammatory speech targeting priests, Namgharias, and seers at a public meeting in Goalpara district on November 4.

Mr Mollah made the remarks in response to a statement by All India United Democratic Front chief Badruddin Ajmal who had said last month that Muslims are “number one in robbery, dacoity, rape”.

“Wherever there is any rape, the temples priests and namgharias are involved,” the Jaleswar MLA is alleged to have said this at a public meeting in Goalpara district.

“Show me one Muslim cleric who is responsible for wrongdoing. Such bad things are done by Hindus, not by Muslims. But still, Muslims are blamed,” Mr Mollah was quoted as saying by the media .

A day after Mr Mollah’s speech, the Assam Congress issued a show cause notice, saying that he made a “highly obnoxious comment”.

“The principle and perspective of Indian National Congress, is never against saints, priests, seers, maulanas and Namgharias and Congress has been always revealing due respects to them,” Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah said in the notice. “I am extremely unhappy and ask you to withdraw your statement and seek a public apology in front of the media immediately.”

However Mr Mollah apologised for his remarks on November 5. Guwahati Police Commissioner Diganta Barah told reporters that it is a case of hate speech.