Fazlul Mubeen faces police action after posting critical comments about Muslim leaders attending Nitish Kumar’s iftar party and questioning the new Waqf law
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI/PATNA – The Bihar administration has come under intense scrutiny after a journalist, Fazlul Mubeen, faced a police complaint for his critical social media post regarding Muslim leaders attending the Iftar party hosted by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The FIR filed against Mubeen under serious sections of the Indian Penal Code has raised alarm over the increasing pressures on journalists who question the political establishment.
Fazlul Mubeen, the editor of Milli Khabar, a digital news platform, posted pictures of individuals who attended the Iftar party. Alongside the photos, Mubeen criticised the leaders for their silence on issues concerning the Muslim community, particularly the Waqf Amendment Bill. The bill, which was recently passed with strong support from Janata Dal (United) (JD-U) MPs, has sparked considerable controversy in Bihar’s political circles.
In his Facebook post, Mubeen expressed dismay over the presence of certain Muslim leaders at the event, writing, “I am ashamed to tell you that these people belong to Dhaka, Bihar. For them, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is above Imarat Shariah, Muslim Personal Law Board, Jamiat Ahle Hadith and Jamiat Ulema.” He added, “Waqf is our constitutional right and it is also a matter of our Shariah. So take special care of it.”
This statement was met with outrage from JD-U leaders, who deemed the post an insult to the party and its Muslim leaders. Consequently, JD-U Kisan Cell leader Asgar Ali lodged a police complaint against Mubeen, accusing him of “intentional insult to breach the peace,” “defamation,” and “hurting religious sentiments.” These charges are particularly severe and carry the potential for a lengthy legal battle.
Speaking with a private media outlet, Mubeen defended his actions, asserting, “I only asked why these Muslim leaders remain silent on sensitive issues. On the contrary, they went to eat at the Iftar party.” He emphasised that, as a journalist, it is his constitutional and democratic right to ask pertinent questions, especially regarding issues that affect the community.
Mubeen further clarified that the images he posted were already publicly available on social media. “Many pictures were already posted by people on Facebook. I have not stolen or edited anything in this,” he stated. Despite the accusations, Mubeen stands firm, arguing that the complaint against him is an attempt to intimidate and silence journalists who seek to hold the political elite accountable.
This case highlights the growing concerns over the treatment of journalists in Bihar, particularly those who challenge the government’s narrative. Mubeen remarked that such actions reflect the increasing attempts to control the press and silence dissenting voices. “They want to scare us so that we stop speaking the truth, but I will not back down,” he affirmed, citing that his post was made with full transparency, with screenshots serving as evidence.
The situation is further complicated by the controversial nature of the Waqf law, which has seen divided opinion within the Muslim community in Bihar. Many feel that the law undermines their religious rights, while others support it for its potential to bring more regulation and accountability to Waqf properties.
Mubeen’s post not only touched a nerve within political circles but also sparked a larger debate about the role of Muslim leaders in Bihar’s political landscape. Some critics argue that Muslim leaders are compromising on key issues, including the protection of Waqf properties, by aligning with the ruling party in Bihar. The Iftar party, meant to be a social gathering, has now become a symbol of political division, with many questioning the integrity of those attending the event.
The legal action taken against Mubeen has triggered wider discussions about press freedom in India. Journalists across the country have raised concerns about the increasing criminalisation of free speech, especially when it comes to government scrutiny. As more FIRs are filed against journalists who challenge the establishment, the fear of government reprisal is growing, particularly in states like Bihar, where political tensions are high.
“This is a form of harassment,” Mubeen said. “It’s about creating an environment where journalists are afraid to speak out. But I won’t be intimidated.”
