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.
Case registered over social media posts 'threatening' Kerala CM’s security officer
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): A case has been registered and a probe launched into social media posts allegedly threatening a member of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s security team with consequences once the UDF comes to power, officials said on Sunday.
The Thiruvananthapuram City Cyber Police registered the case based on a complaint filed by Chief Minister’s security staff member Sandeep Sasidharan.
The Congress had earlier alleged that Sandeep and another officer, Anil Kumar, brutally assaulted two Youth Congress-KSU activists including using flower pot when they protested against the Chief Minister during the Navakerala Sadas programme in Alappuzha in 2023.
A subsequent probe was conducted against both officers, and the Crime Branch later gave them a clean chit.
Recently, following the conclusion of the state assembly election on April 9, several social media posts allegedly made by Congress, Youth Congress and KSU activists claimed that revenge would be taken once the LDF government is removed and the UDF comes to power.
Police said cases have been registered against Facebook accounts named Arun Rajendran, Tom Kuriakose, Yaser KP, Sony Panamthanam, Sarath Pillai, KSU Kanjiramkulam, Rahul John C and Youth Congress Battle.
According to the FIR, the complainant’s photograph and name were used in several social media posts threatening him with consequences and containing abusive language.
Police said the social media account holders have been identified and will soon be summoned as part of the investigation.
The case has been registered under Sections 296(b) (uttering obscene words causing public annoyance), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), and 3(5) (acts done by several persons) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
