‘Raza Academy will not pay for damages’

Violence erupted during a protest rally organised by Madina Tul Ilm foundation and Raza Academy at Azad Maidan on Saturday. In an interview with HT, Mohammed Saeed Noori, president of Raza Academy, said his organisation won’t pay for damages as their supporters did not do any damage. Farhan Shaikh reports

Violence erupted during a protest rally organised by Madina Tul Ilm foundation and Raza Academy at Azad Maidan on Saturday. In an interview with HT, Mohammed Saeed Noori, president of Raza Academy, said his organisation won’t pay for damages as their supporters did not do any damage.

HT Image

What was the protest for?

It was basically a prayer meet. It was a peaceful protest. We had organised a meet to discuss the sufferings of our Muslim brothers in Assam and Burma, in association with Madina Tul Ilm foundation from Kurla. Several Muslim councils arrived to be a part of the prayer.

What triggered the violence?

I have no clue. The violence did not start from within Azad Maidan.

Who should be held responsible for the violence?

We are sad for the police force and the media for what they had to suffer. I regret whatever happened, but Raza Academy is not responsible for whatever occurred there.

Who then should take the responsibility?

Anti-social elements instigated it. Raza Academy is not responsible for the losses. We will not pay for the damage as we had no role in the violence.

I am completely aware of that. The photos were never permitted. The people who brought it were wrong. It was an error and we regret it.