Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the registration of a police case against BJP minister Kunwar Vijay Shah over his controversial remarks against Indian Army officer Colonel Sofia Qureshi, who recently briefed the media about Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.
Taking suo motu cognizance based on newspaper reports, Justice Atul Sreedharan observed that the minister's comments were "dangerous" and could incite enmity between groups, potentially falling under Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with actions that promote enmity on religious grounds.
"The FIR needs to be registered. Everyone can see it [the comments]," the judge stated, directing the Director General of Police (DGP) to file a First Information Report (FIR) by the evening. The court warned that failure to comply would lead to proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act against the DGP.
When the Advocate General argued that the court had acted solely based on media reports, Justice Sreedharan remarked, "Now that you’ve said that, we will add links of videos to the order." He also emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “I may not be alive tomorrow.”
The court made it clear that while the investigation would be left to the concerned authorities, the immediate registration of an FIR was non-negotiable. “Chaar gante bahut wakht hai (four hours is more than enough time),” the court noted, adding that the matter would be taken up on priority the next day.
“This is our order: DGP will comply or it will be stayed by the Supreme Court,” Justice Sreedharan concluded.
Breaking: Madhya Pradesh High Court takes suo motu cognizance of BJP minister Kunwar Vijay Shah's comments targeting Colonel Sofia Qureshi, the Indian Army officer who had briefed the media about Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/mtRDCGjsP7
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Gandhinagar: In what critics have termed a collective punishment, the Gujarat administration has demolished 186 commercial structures in Gandhinagar district’s Bahiyal village, allegedly belonging to individuals accused of participating in a communal clash during the recent Navratri celebrations.
The demolition, carried out on Thursday under heavy police deployment, followed a September 24 incident in which a social media post reportedly triggered tensions between communities, leading to stone pelting and property damage. Officials claimed that the razed establishments were “illegal constructions” linked to those involved in the violence.
According to Gandhinagar Superintendent of Police Ravi Teja Vasamsetty, the authorities identified the properties as part of an “encroachment removal drive.”
“Today, 186 business establishments in Dahegam taluka were demolished. We have identified illegal properties belonging to those involved in last month’s disturbances. Nearly 50 of the accused are habitual offenders,” he said.
Over 300 police personnel were deployed during the operation, which took place in the presence of sub-divisional magistrates and panchayat officials.
However, rights groups and local residents have raised serious concerns over the timing and intent of the demolition, arguing that it amounts to extra-judicial retribution targeting a particular community. Critics say such “bulldozer justice” bypasses due legal process and deepens existing fault lines instead of restoring peace.
The September 24 violence, which erupted over an objectionable social media post, had resulted in extensive damage to shops and vehicles. Police detained around 60 people, alleging that over 200 individuals were involved in the unrest.