Suspected PFI members conspired to transform India into Islamic country: HC while denying bail
Mumbai, Jun 11: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday refused to grant bail to three alleged members of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), noting they had conspired to transform India into an Islamic country by 2047.
A division bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and Shyam Chandak rejected the bail pleas of the trio -- Razi Ahmed Khan, Unais Umar Khaiyyam Patel and Kayyum Abdul Shaikh -- and observed there was prima facie evidence against them.
They are accused of being members of the Popular Front of India (PFI), banned by the Centre in 2022, and indulging in conspiracy acts against the Government of India.
The court, in its order, said the accused persons conspired to overawe the government by use of criminal force.
"The first information report is self eloquent. They conspired to transform India into an Islamic country by 2047. They are not only propagators but actively intending to implement the Vision-2047 document of their organization (PFI)," the bench noted.
The accused also incited like-minded persons to join them to overawe the government by use of criminal force, it observed.
"There is overwhelming evidence to demonstrate that the appellants in connivance with other accused persons have systematically undertaken activities which are detrimental to the interest and integrity of the nation," the HC said.
The bench added that the accused persons participated in spreading hatred against the state and pushing anti-national agenda through various means of propaganda.
The bench noted that the accused persons shared a document on social media groups titled 'Vision - 2047'.
"Perusal of Vision-2047 document indicates that, it is a sinister plot and design to transform India into an Islamic State by adopting all possible methods mentioned therein," the HC maintained.
It is a conspiracy to commit horrendous acts perpetrated by the appellants pursuant to their conspiracy, amounts to conspire to overawe or to attempt to wage war against the Government of India, the bench added.
The court, while rejecting their bail pleas, maintained there was prima facie evidence against them.
According to the prosecution, the accused persons had an aim to foster hatred towards other religions and the Government of India and to create division among Indians.
It is alleged that the accused held various meetings to create hatred in the mind of people from Muslim community and to instigate them to wage a war against the Government of India.
Maharashtra's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had lodged a case against the suspected PFI members under the Indian Penal Code for criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity between religious groups and under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The prosecution case is that in June 2022, the accused persons and several others had attended a secret meeting of the PFI during which they highlighted various "atrocities" being committed against the Muslim community in India, including incidents of mob-lynching.
As per the prosecution, in the meeting it was emphasized that there was a need for unity in the Muslim community to "wage a war against the country by adopting any mode".
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Controversy surrounding book on Shivaji Maharaj 'unwarranted', says Fadnavis
Solapur (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday termed as "unwarranted" the controversy over a book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in which Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad allegedly made objectionable remarks against its publisher.
An audio clip surfaced last week on social media, in which Gaikwad was heard using offensive language and threatening Kolhapur-based publisher Prashant Ambi. The MLA referred to the book titled 'Shivaji Kon Hota' (Who was Shivaji), written by CPI leader Govind Pansare and originally published in 1988.
Talking to reporters here, CM Fadnavis, "The book was published in the 1980s. Have those who have raked up a controversy read the book? The stature of the warrior king is so big that no one can insult him. Whatever is happening is anti-social and insensitive."
The controversy over the book is unwarranted, he said, and cautioned against attempts to sensationalise issues merely to remain in the news.
When asked about the BJP's candidates for the upcoming legislative council polls, Fadnavis said appointments and candidate selections are decided by the party's parliamentary board, and not by him individually.
"All decisions will be taken as per the party process," he said, adding that discussions are ongoing and outcomes will be known after due deliberations.
Nine council members, including former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, are retiring on May 13. As per the schedule announced by the Election Commission of India, polling will be held on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on the same day at 5 pm, and the entire process is expected to be completed by May 13.
The BJP has decided to contest four of the nine seats in the biennial elections.
On the sugar sector, he said the state has consistently achieved over 99 per cent of the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) payments to farmers, though there may be minor fluctuations due to market conditions affecting sugar mills.
He added that the government has extended support to the sector and held meetings to address issues faced by factories. A committee has been formed to review post-season challenges and suggest policy measures, including possible assistance from the Centre.
