Police action over the alleged post has led to the arrest of five Muslims for one image; families and rights voices question why identical content leads to multiple detentions
BARAN — Police in this Rajasthan city have detained Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) district president Abdul Aziz Pathan in a case linked to a social media post that police claim hurt Hindu religious sentiments. The arrest has added to concern among local Muslims, as four other Muslim youths were earlier arrested for the same image.
The case relates to a post uploaded on social media on August 25, 2024. Police allege that the image showed a saffron-clad saint with a noose around his neck. They claim the post caused religious offence and disturbed public peace.
Superintendent of Police Abhishek Andasu confirmed the arrest. He said, “Abdul Aziz Pathan, resident of Rajpura Ward and district president of SDPI, has been arrested in connection with a post that hurt religious sentiments.”
Police said a case was registered at Kotwali police station under sections linked to religious offence and communal harmony. Abdul Aziz’s mobile phone has been seized, and questioning is under way.
Earlier, four Muslim youths — Risalat Ali, Junaid Ansari, Shahrukh and Rehan Ali — were arrested on April 2 for sharing the same image. Families of the accused say the repeated arrests over one post show unfair treatment.
A relative of one of the arrested youths said, “Five Muslims have been picked up for one picture. If this is justice, why is the same image being used again and again to jail people from one community only?”
Police claim Abdul Aziz was avoiding arrest. He was detained on Friday, December 19. CI Hiralal, Kaushal Kishore and Mukeshchand were part of the police team involved.
Local Muslim leaders say the case reflects a wider pattern. One community member said, “In many states ruled by the right wing, Muslims are booked quickly on allegations, while hate speech against Muslims is ignored.”
No report has confirmed whether the image was edited, shared with intent, or taken out of context. Rights activists say intent must be proven, not assumed.
An SDPI worker said, “Abdul Aziz is a known social worker. Arresting him without clear proof sends a message of fear to Muslims who speak on public issues.”
The case has become a point of tension in Baran. Muslim residents say the administration must act fairly and stop treating Muslims as guilty before investigation.
Police say the probe is continuing. Families of the accused say they will seek legal remedy and demand equal treatment under the law.
