Muslim clerics in UP support Antulay's demand

Prominent Muslim clerics in UP came out in support of AR Antulay, who sparked off controversy by questioning the circumstances of Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare's death during the Mumbai, November 26 terror attack.

Prominent Muslim clerics in Uttar Pradesh on Friday came out in support of Minorities Affairs Minister AR Antulay, who sparked off controversy by questioning the circumstances of Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare's death during the Mumbai, November 26 terror attack.

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Backing Antulay for demanding an inquiry into Karkare's killing, Maulana Khalid Rasheed, who heads Firangi Mahal, Lucknow's oldest Islamic seminary, told IANS: "An impartial probe into the incident must be ordered at the earliest as it will allay 'doubts' lurking in the minds of Muslims."

The central government must order a CBI inquiry into Karkare's killing, considering the fact he was assassinated at a time while he was investigating the role of some Hindu outfits in the Malegaon blasts.

Prominent Shia community cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad also aired similar sentiments.

"There is nothing wrong if a probe is undertaken in connection with Karkare's death. Instead of politically persecuting Antulay, political outfits should seriously look into the statement made by the minister," said Jawad, a member of the All-India Personal Law Board.

"We want to make it clear that Muslims in no way are raising doubts over the integrity of Kakare, but want an inquiry to bring out those circumstances that led to his killing," he clarified.