‘Stop comedian’s show or we will’: VHP’s ultimatum to Chhattisgarh govt

Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal met senior police officials in Raipur on Monday and demanded that the show be cancelled or the outfits will step in.

Published on: Nov 10, 2021, 02:12:09 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh’s right-wing outfits have opposed the show of stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui, scheduled for November 14 and threatened to stop the show if the local administration permits the programme.

The Supreme Court granted interim bail to comedian Munawar Faruqui, who was accused of hurting religious sentiments by allegedly passing objectionably remarks about Hindu deities during a show. He was arrested by the police in Indore (Twitter: @munawar0018)

Leaders of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal met senior police officials, on Monday, and demanded that the show be cancelled or the outfits will step in.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Santosh Chaudhary said Bajrang Dal and VHP submitted a written application to Raipur Collector and Superintendent of Police and demanded that the show should not be permitted in Raipur as Faruqui allegedly mocked Hindu deities in the past.

“Faruqui mocked our Gods in past and such anti-Hindu people should not be permitted in the capital. And if the administration permits, it will be the administration’s responsibility because we will stop the programme in our own way,” said Chaudhary.

Mohammad Inam, who has organised the programme in Raipur, said their application was pending with administration.

Raipur collector Saurabh Kumar said the request was being processed.

“We have received an application for permission for the show which is in process. The orgainsers have also asked for protection for the show which is scheduled to be held in a hotel… The application has been sent for police approval,” said Kumar said.

In January this year, the Madhya Pradesh police booked Faruqui, who is from Gujarat’s Junagadh, and others performing at a New Year’s event at a café in Indore when a group of right-wing activists entered the venue and created a ruckus. He was arrested on January 1 for allegedly hurting religious sentiments and violating the Covid-19 guidelines and released in February on the Supreme Court’s orders

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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