Alt News co-founder Pratik Sinha clarifies after tweet comparing Muslims with Hindutva brigade
New Delhi: A social media controversy erupted after Alt News co-founder Pratik Sinha responded to a tweet that praised a gesture of Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, comparing its supporters to the Hindutva brigade, and later clarified his stance following criticism from several users.
The debate began when Noorul, editor of Salar-E-Hind Urdu Daily in Delhi, posted a photograph showing Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi speaking with an Indian woman journalist, with the minister looking down during the conversation. Captioning the image, Noorul wrote: “Your culture has removed the hijab from your head, my culture has kept my gaze lowered.”
Reacting to this, Sinha replied on X (formerly Twitter):
“The followers, who believe in and uphold this version of Islam, and are happy to embrace the Talibanis, are as dangerous as the Hindutva brigade.”
His response triggered reactions, with many users accusing him of equating Muslim believers with Hindutva extremists. Some also accused Sinha of harbouring anti-Muslim sentiment.
A user named Shadab Khan posted a collage comparing Sinha’s photo with that of BJP MLA T. Raja Singh, known for his Islamophobic remarks, writing: “They hate Muslims, they hate Islam. Bas 19, 20 ka fark hai.”
Sinha responded to the accusation in a detailed post, writing:
“I don’t hate Muslims. There are very few people I feel hatred toward because it is a very strong emotion. One example would be Netanyahu. I have many Muslim friends for whom I feel a range of emotions, from fondness and affection to simple friendship… I don’t hate Islam either. I’m critical of it, just as I’m critical of other organized religions such as Hinduism and Christianity. There’s a vast difference between hate and criticism.”
He went on to contrast his stance with that of Raja Singh, stating that the latter’s political identity was based on spreading hatred and inciting violence, while his own criticism was rooted in questioning religious power structures that perpetuate inequality.
The exchange drew further attention when senior journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani expressed solidarity with Sinha, saying:
“Dear Pratik, as a journalist and a Muslim, I feel deeply ashamed that you even have to write this clarification. Your and @zoo_bear’s work at Alt News has not only exposed Sanghi lies but has saved countless Muslim lives and in many ways protected India from sinking deeper into hate.”
She urged Sinha to “ignore the hate from fanatics,” adding that “millions of silent Muslims and non-Muslims stand with you, with gratitude and pride.”
They hate Muslims, they hate Islam.
— Mohd Shadab Khan (@VoxShadabKhan) October 14, 2025
Bas 19,20 ka fark hai. pic.twitter.com/iJo69GS1NS
Pratik equated Indian Muslims to Hindutuva Brigade (likes of T Raja Singh) for appreciating an act of lowering of gaze. This act is Islamic act and exclusive to Taliban.
— ☪︎ Meem ✶⁀➷ (@FiltrationTime) October 14, 2025
Hindus who are aware of Muslim practices, know gender segregation is part of our belief.
This doesn’t… pic.twitter.com/XYJluzNjnl
I don't hate Muslims. There are very few people I feel hatred toward because it is a very strong emotion. One example would be Netanyahu.
— Pratik Sinha (@free_thinker) October 14, 2025
I have many Muslim friends for whom I feel a range of emotions, from fondness and affection to simple friendship. As for other Muslims… https://t.co/4MlU5Hm2Xm
I don't hate Muslims. There are very few people I feel hatred toward because it is a very strong emotion. One example would be Netanyahu.
— Pratik Sinha (@free_thinker) October 14, 2025
I have many Muslim friends for whom I feel a range of emotions, from fondness and affection to simple friendship. As for other Muslims… https://t.co/4MlU5Hm2Xm
Dear Pratik,⁰As a journalist and a Muslim, I feel deeply ashamed that you even have to write this clarification.
— Arfa Khanum Sherwani (@khanumarfa) October 15, 2025
Your and @zoo_bear’s work at Alt News has not only exposed Sanghi lies but has saved countless Muslim lives and in many ways, protected India from sinking deeper… https://t.co/3cSlA88juM
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Banned tobacco products seized in Ulhasnagar, one arrested
Thane (PTI): Police have arrested a 26-year-old man and seized banned tobacco products valued at more than Rs 5 lakh following a raid in the Ulhasnagar area of Thane district, an official said on Saturday.
The operation was conducted on the premises late Wednesday night near Shahad gate, based on a complaint filed by officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a police officer said, adding that a police team found a large consignment of contraband from different brands, stocked for illegal sale.
The arrested accused has been identified as Arbaz Nasir Khan (26). Two other suspects have been named as wanted in the case, and a hunt has been launched to nab them.
The seized tobacco products are valued at approximately Rs 5,05,658.
An FIR has been registered at the Ulhasnagar police station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of FDA regulations.
