Nearly 15 youth detained in Mohad village of Madhya Pradesh for ‘celebrating’ Pakistan’s win over India. The accused alleged conspiracy on part of the government. Their families said that they have been targeted for not voting for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
While talking to Hindustan Times, the families alleged the participation of political workers to split the village into communal lines. “This is a conspiracy against us… a sedition charge will ruin our lives,” said Yusuf Tadvi. Tadvi’s nephews have been slapped with the sedition charge.
But, the allegations of police leveling them for not voting for the BJP was refused by Burhanpur district superintendent RRS Parihar. Parihar said there was strong evidence of pro-Pakistan slogans being raised and firecrackers being bursted to rejoice the triumph of Pakistan at Champion’s Trophy final.
However, Rafiq Imam, whose 25-year-old son is among the 15 detained said that the firecrackers were bursted not by local Muslims, but ‘outsiders’. He claimed that his son, Mahmud, was present in the house when Pakistan won the match. He had no role in the bursting of firecrackers, said Rafiq. “Police barged into out house at 1:30 AM in the night and took my son,” he alleged.
A local Muslim advocacy group, led by activist Masood Ahmed Khan, backed accused saying police is pressing sedition charge against the youths without proof. Such actions would fuel radicalism, he said.
All accused, aged between 19-35, were detained late night on Sunday.
The action was initiated after a local resident, Subhash Laxman Koli, told police about firecrackers being bursted and pro-Pakistan slogans being raised.
