Image of Meerut police used for representational purposes only.  File Photo | PTI
India

Three AIMIM leaders arrested over speech during Eid Milan programme at Meerut

AIMIM western Uttar Pradesh president Mahtab Chauhan, metropolitan president Imran Ansari and metropolitan secretary Raji Siddiqui were arrested following late-night raids, police said.

TNIE online desk

Meerut Police has arrested three AIMIM leaders on charges of disturbing communal harmony after their speeches during an Eid Milan programme went viral on social media, reported PTI.

According to police, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul's (AIMIM) western Uttar Pradesh president Mahtab Chauhan, metropolitan president Imran Ansari and metropolitan secretary Raji Siddiqui were arrested following late-night raids.

In the purported video of the Eid Milan programme --held at a farmhouse in Hajipur village on March 23-- AIMIM state president Shaukat Ali is heard saying, "You gave 111 seats to those who remain silent. Give me just 11 MLAs, and I promise that if a Muslim is killed in an encounter in Uttar Pradesh, those who are responsible for the encounter will also face an encounter."

Assistant Superintendent of Police (Meerut) Antriksh Jain said police took cognisance of the video and registered a case at Lohiyanagar police station against six named individuals, including Ali, and several unidentified others.

"The speeches were intended to create enmity between different religions and communities and affect law and order," Jain claimed, adding that efforts are on to arrest the other accused.

Strict action will be taken against anyone found engaging in activities that disrupt social harmony and legal statutes, he said.

(With inputs from PTI)

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