Team Clarion
JAIPUR – A 24-year-old Muslim youth was arrested by the police in Rajasthan’s Ajmer district on Thursday for social media posts after Hindutva supporters put pressure on police to initiate action against him.
Wajid Khan, a resident of Gangwana village in Ajmer, was booked under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhit Section 170. In a statement, Gegal police station said that Khan was arrested for making the statements on social media which disturbed communal harmony and caused the spread of animosity.
The police also seized the mobile phone of Khan saying that it would take further action after examining the device.
The police said that the accused was also made liable to maintain good behaviour through the court.
According to the police, the arrest was part of the instructions given by Ajmer Superintendent of Police Vandita Rana to police stations to monitor social media and take quick action in case mischief was spotted.
However, social media activists feel that Khan was arrested because he used to write against Hindutva ideology and hatemongers.
“Wajid Khan, who has always stood firmly against the right-wing and hateful Chintus and has responded in their own language, is in trouble today. Wajid Khan used to present news from the Middle East and around the world on social media in a very efficient manner in Hindi, but his outspokenness irked the right-wing and hateful Chintus. The right-wing put pressure on the Rajasthan administration through some local leaders or influential people. Under pressure, the Rajasthan administration is taking action,” said Shadab Khan, an activist at the Volunteer Against Hate (VAH).
Shadab urged people to stand by Khan even though there was disagreement with him on some counts.
“Just like Mufti Salman Azhari was kept in jail for years for reciting just one couplet, a similar conspiracy is being hatched against Wajid Bhai. Even though we may disagree with some of his views, this is the time to unite and stand by him in his difficult times and ensure that justice is done to him,” he said.
“Even if you insult the Muslim prophet, you will not be arrested. But on the other hand, if a Muslim like Wajid Khan raises his voice for his community, he can be arrested under the pressure of Hindu extremists! The administration is 100% unfair,” said Ansar Imran, who raised the issue on social media.
Concerned Muslim youth also started a social media trend under the hashtag #IStandwithWajidKhan and #StandWithWajidKhan.
After the arrest of Khan, several Hindutva supporters, who are known for spreading hate and Islamophobia on social media, took credit that Khan was arrested due to their pressure on the police.
“Anti Hindu @realwajidkhan has been Arrested Requesting every Non Left page not to take Credit of Our Work. Jai Shree Ram,” said a Hindutva X handle Randomsena. This handle is known for targeting Muslims and spreading hate against them.