Himachal Minister faces backlash over Mosque allegations, sparks protests
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh has faced protests from his fellow Congress colleagues after he raised allegations that the Sanjauli mosque in Shimla was constructed illegally. Singh called for an investigation into the construction of the mosque and claimed that cases of "love jihad" had occurred in the area.
Singh questioned whether permission had been obtained before the mosque's construction. "They started the construction without approval. It was an illegal structure. First, one floor was built, then the rest followed," he said, adding, "They have a habit of engaging in illegal activities."
His remarks were met with strong opposition from other Congress leaders. MLA Harish Janartha denied there had been any prior tensions in the area, clarifying that the mosque was originally built before 1960. He admitted that three additional storeys were added illegally in 2010 on Waqf Board land, but stated that the unauthorized toilets had already been demolished. Janartha further alleged that some elements were attempting to escalate the issue.
State minister Jagat Negi emphasized that if illegal construction had occurred, strict action would be taken. Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh urged that the issue not be politicized, stating, "We respect everyone's sentiments and will act with justice. The government will take action in accordance with the law… Politics should not be played in the name of religion. Let the law take its course."
The controversy over the Sanjauli mosque construction became a heated topic of debate in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday, where Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressed the matter. "People of all religions are respected in the state… Strict action will be taken against those who take the law into their own hands. The reasons behind this situation are being investigated," he said.
**Right-Wing Protest in Shimla**
Amidst the political row, several right-wing groups staged a large protest at Chaura Maidan in Shimla, near the Vidhan Sabha, on Thursday. The protestors demanded the demolition of the Sanjauli mosque. The demonstration was led by Dev Bhumi Shatriya Sangathan president Rumit Singh Thakur, who called for "Sanatan unity" and claimed people from across the state joined the protest.
The protest followed an attack on a businessman in the Malyana area on September 1, allegedly by individuals from the Muslim community. The incident led to local residents demanding the demolition of the mosque. Thakur alleged that outsiders were migrating to Himachal Pradesh in large numbers and called for the government to verify their identity and register their trades. He also said that the Chief Minister had assured him of action in the matter.
**CM Calls for Unity**
Chief Minister Sukhu, addressing the ongoing tensions, reiterated that all residents of Himachal Pradesh have equal rights. "Peaceful protests are permitted, but nobody will be allowed to take the law into their own hands," he stated, emphasizing his respect for all religions while calling for calm and adherence to legal processes.
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Three more arrested in connection with murder of Suhas Shetty in Mangaluru
Mangaluru (Karnataka), May 14 (PTI): The Mangaluru City Crime Branch has arrested three men in connection with the murder of Hindutva activist Suhas Shetty, officials said on Wednesday.
The accused, identified as Azaruddin alias Azar alias Ajju (29), Abdul Khader alias Noufal (24) and Vamanjoor Noushad alias Chotte Noushad (39), were arrested during the last two days, they said.
With the fresh arrests, a total of 11 people have been arrested in connection with the murder so far, police said.
According to a police statement, Azaruddin had previously been booked in three theft cases registered at Panambur, Suratkal, and Mulki police stations. He allegedly provided information about Shetty's movements to the other accused, aiding in the murder.
Khader is said to have assisted the accused during their escape in a car after the murder was committed.
Noushad is accused of having conspired with the others and directly participated in the crime. He has six previous criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, and robbery conspiracy, registered at various police stations in Dakshina Kannada, police said.
Azaruddin has been remanded in judicial custody, while Khader and Noushad have been taken into police custody for seven days for further investigation.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and efforts are underway to trace other accused involved in the case.
Shetty, a known rowdy sheeter and Hindutva activist, was murdered by a group on May 1 within the Bajpe police station limits in Mangaluru City.
