Gohar Chishti and others cleared of charges related to inflammatory slogans against former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma
Team Clarion
AJMER – A local court on Tuesday acquitted Gohar Chishti, a cleric at Ajmer Sharif Dargah, who was arrested on charges of raising inflammatory slogans against former BJP spokesperson leader Nupur Sharma. Five other accused in the same case were also acquitted. The charges stemmed from a viral video in June 2022, where Chishti and others were seen raising slogans at the main gate of Ajmer Dargah.
Viral Video Controversy
The controversy began when a video surfaced showing Gohar Chishti shouting the slogan “Sar Tan Se Juda” at a Muslim community rally against Nupur Sharma. The rally was in response to Sharma’s derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during a television debate. Following the video, a case was registered against Chishti, leading to his arrest on 14 July 2022 in Hyderabad.
Investigation and Verdict
During the investigation, police also probed Chishti’s possible links to the murder case of tailor Kanhaiyalal in Udaipur. Kanhaiyalal was beheaded by two men over a controversial social media post. However, the police found no connection between Chishti and the murder accused.
After a thorough examination of the evidence, the court acquitted Chishti and the other accused, clearing them of all charges.
As many as 22 witnesses and 32 documents were presented before the court during the trial which went on for over two years.
“In June 2022, the accused raised the slogan near the entrance of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. Khadim Gauhar Chishti, Tajim Siddiqui (31), Fakhar Jamali (42), Riyaz Hasan Dal (47), Moin Khan (48), and Nasir Khan (45) were arrested in connection with the case, who have all been acquitted by the court now,” said public prosecutor Ghulam Nazmi Farooqui.
Political and International Reactions
Nupur Sharma’s remarks sparked significant controversy and led to her suspension from the BJP. The incident prompted widespread protests and condemnation from several Islamic countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iran.
The court’s decision to acquit Chishti brings a significant chapter of this controversy to a close, highlighting the complexities and sensitivities surrounding freedom of expression and communal harmony in India.
