Saudi Arabia, Jun 6: Saudi Arabia on Monday joined Qatar, Iran and Kuwait to express its condemnation of the controversial remarks of a BJP leader against Prophet Mohammed and called for "respect for beliefs and religions."

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its condemnation and denunciation of the statements made by the BJP spokesperson, saying it insulted Prophet Mohammed.

The ministry reiterated its "permanent rejection of prejudice against the symbols of the Islamic religion."

It also rejected anything that give rise to prejudice against "all religious figures and symbols."

While welcoming the measures taken by the BJP to suspend the spokeswoman, the ministry reaffirmed the "Kingdom's position calling for respect for beliefs and religions".

Qatar, Iran and Kuwait on Sunday summoned India's Ambassadors and the key Gulf nations expressed their strong protest and condemnation of the controversial remarks of a BJP leader against Prophet Mohammed.

Seeking to defuse a diplomatic row, spokespersons of the Indian Embassy in Qatar and Kuwait said on Sunday that the Ambassadors "conveyed that the tweets do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India. These are the views of fringe elements."

In New Delhi, the BJP on Sunday suspended its national spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled its Delhi media head Naveen Kumar Jindal after their controversial remarks against the Prophet.

Amid protests by Muslim groups over the remarks, the party also issued a statement aimed at assuaging the concerns of minorities and distancing itself from these members, asserting that it respects all religions and strongly denounces the insult of any religious personality.

The controversial remarks also sparked a Twitter trend in the Arab world calling for a boycott of Indian products.

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Bengaluru, Nov 22: In separate operations, Bengaluru Police arrested five individuals and intercepted two major drug consignments worth over Rs 6 crore, officials said on Friday.

Police suspect the drugs were being smuggled into Bengaluru for illegal sales during the New Year celebrations in the city and surrounding areas.

In the first case, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) police seized banned drugs such as MDMA crystals, cocaine, and ecstasy pills from two foreigners allegedly involved in their sale under the Soladevanahalli police station limits.

"We seized 1.5 kg of MDMA crystals, 202 grams of cocaine, and 12 ecstasy pills. We also seized two mobile phones. The total value of the drugs is around Rs 3 crore," Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda told reporters.

The CCB received a tip-off and arrested the two foreigners. "During the investigation, we found that they had come to India five years ago on medical visas. They were involved in selling drugs in Mumbai and Delhi, with complaints against them in Mumbai. Now, they are selling banned drugs in Bengaluru. They will be sent to judicial custody," Dayananda said.

In the second operation, police arrested three people and seized a large consignment of 318 kg of ganja, worth Rs 3.25 crore. The drugs were reportedly brought to the city from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

Acting on a tip-off, the Govindapura police arrested the trio while it was allegedly transporting the drugs in a car. The vehicle was also seized, a senior police officer said.

Investigation revealed that the main accused, a Kerala native, has a history of drug peddling and several cases, including robbery and attempted murder, registered against him, the senior police officer added.

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