Suspended BJP Leader, Journalist In Delhi Cops' Case On Religious Discord

The delay in police action has been questioned by many as similar hate speech has often been made both on TV and social media.

Two weeks after objectionable statements against Prophet Muhammad and Islam by two BJP leaders, one on national television and the other on Twitter, the police have registered a case against several people for hate speech, inciting groups, and creating situations that disturb society's peace and harmony. Two FIRs have been registered, naming BJP spokespersons, a journalist, social media users, and members of various religious organisations.

Notably, the police action comes soon after a massive diplomatic storm caused by objectionable and communal remarks by now suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal, the party's Delhi media cell head who has also been expelled. While Ms Sharma's comments were made during a debate on a news channel, Mr Jindal is under fire for a tweet.

The delay in police action has been questioned by many as similar hate speech has often been made both on TV and social media. The timing, right after over 16 countries slammed the remarks by the two BJP leaders, has also caused speculation. It is still unclear if the case was registered based on a complaint or if the cyber unit of Delhi Police's special cell took suo motu cognisance. The police have asserted that they regularly monitor social media for hate speech and incitement to violence.

Several countries in the Gulf region had summoned Indian Ambassadors and conveyed their concerns about "growing extremism and hatred". Many have even demanded a "public apology" from New Delhi for the comments that were considered "Islamophobic".