UP ATS arrests Deoband cleric for inflammatory social media posts

The UP ATS arrested a mufti from Deoband in Saharanpur for allegedly sharing inflammatory social media posts and maintaining contacts in Pakistan. Police said the accused was spreading misinformation and inciting tension. Investigation and interrogation are currently underway

Saharanpur (UP): The UP ATS (Anti-Terrorist Squad) has arrested a mufti (Muslim cleric) from Deoband here for allegedly sharing inflammatory and objectionable posts on social media and maintaining contacts with individuals in Pakistan, police said on Saturday.

ATS Deoband in-charge Inspector Sudhir Ujjwal filed a formal report at the Deoband Police Station and stated that, following intelligence inputs, a raid was conducted at ‘Mil Wala Phatak’ in Deoband and the accused, Mufti Zakir, was arrested.

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The probe revealed that Mufti Zakir was posting messages and sharing content on social media to incite people by opposing CAA, NRC, UGC, SIR, the Ram Temple verdict, and actions taken during the “I Love Mohammed” protests.

Police registered an FIR against the accused and said that Mufti Zakir appears to have been inspired by watching videos of jailed former JNU student Umar Khalid.

He also harbours animosity towards prominent ulemas (Islamic scholars) and politicians who advocate Hindu-Muslim unity, the report said.

The ATS alleged that Mufti Zakir was in contact with individuals and groups in Pakistan via WhatsApp.

His mobile phone records are also being analysed as he was allegedly using them to spread misinformation and rumours, thereby fomenting communal tension.

Local police have been placed on alert, and surveillance has been intensified in sensitive areas.

Rojant Tyagi, SHO of the Deoband Police Station, said the ATS is interrogating the accused.