Maulana Abdullah Salim Qasmi’s supporters question the delay in the case and raise concerns over multiple FIRs
NEW DELHI/BAHRAICH — Muslim cleric Abdullah Salim Qasmi was released from Bahraich jail on Friday after a local court granted him bail in a case related to alleged remarks about the mother of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The court has fixed 13 April as the next date of hearing in the matter.
Qasmi was taken into custody by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force on 30 March from Purnia in Bihar. He was later brought to Bahraich and produced before a court on 31 March, which sent him to 14 days of judicial custody.
The case relates to a speech delivered around four years ago in Bhagalpur, where he allegedly made objectionable remarks while speaking about the ban on cow slaughter in Uttar Pradesh and what he described as harassment of Muslims under the law. The matter came to light after a video of the speech circulated on social media, leading to a complaint earlier this month.
According to available information, the complaint was filed following a letter by a local functionary associated with a Hindu organisation. After this, multiple cases were registered against Qasmi in different parts of the country. Supporters claim that more than 100 cases were filed, which they describe as excessive.
Soon after his arrest, Qasmi issued a public apology. In his statement, he said, “I, Abdullah Salim Qasmi, accept my mistake. During a programme in Bhagalpur, some words about the chief minister’s mother were spoken which should not have been said. I apologise for this and seek forgiveness.”
He also appealed to others to maintain restraint while speaking in public. “Such words should not be used on any platform. I advise others as well to be careful,” he added.
Qasmi, a resident of Jokihat in Bihar’s Araria district, is known for his speeches and has a large following on social media. People familiar with his work said his programmes are often booked months in advance.
He has also been associated with All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen in the Seemanchal region of Bihar. Reports suggest he had shown interest in contesting the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections from the Jokihat seat, although he did not secure the party ticket.
Following his arrest, some of his supporters alleged that the action against him was part of a larger plan, a claim that has not been officially confirmed. The episode also brought attention to internal differences within party circles in the region.
For now, Qasmi remains out on bail, and authorities have not issued further comment beyond confirming the legal process.
The incident has once again raised questions about how old speeches are acted upon after several years, and how such matters are handled when they involve sensitive religious and political issues.
Authorities have urged people to maintain calm as the case moves forward through the legal system.
