Hundreds later gathered outside Vasco police station demanding arrest of accused
The Muslim community, under the banner of the Madina Masjid Trust, filed a complaint at the Vasco police station against two individuals.
VASCO
Tension flared up in Vasco on Saturday night when the Muslim community, under the banner of the Madina Masjid Trust, filed a complaint at the Vasco police station against two individuals, accusing them of making derogatory remarks against the Prophet on social media.
The trust has sought immediate police action, warning that such offensive comments threaten communal harmony and could trigger a law-and-order situation.
In a letter addressed to the Police Inspector of Vasco police station, the trust alleged that on September 5, two persons used Facebook to post “derogatory, abusive, insulting and offensive language” against their Prophet.
The complaint stated that these posts were not only disrespectful to Islam but also capable of inciting enmity between communities.
“These statements are deeply hurtful to the religious sentiments of the Muslim community and are likely to create enmity and disturb communal peace,” the complaint read.
It also pointed out that the act constitutes offences under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023, specifically Section 196 for promoting enmity between different groups, Section 299 for deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, Section 302 for uttering words with deliberate intent to wound religious sentiments, and Section 353 for making statements that could lead to public mischief.
Hundreds of Muslims later gathered outside the Vasco police station demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. Several protesters raised religious slogans as members of the trust met Vasco PI Vaibhav Naik and Mormugao DySP Gurudas Kadam inside the police station.
Mormugao DySP Gurudas Kadam later addressed the protesters and assured them that the Vasco police would not tolerate acts that disturb communal harmony.
He told the gathering that an FIR would be registered and strict legal action would follow as per law. It was only after this assurance that the large crowd dispersed peacefully.
The DySP also praised the Muslim fraternity for conducting a disciplined and peaceful procession on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad, while urging protesters not to create pressure tactics on the police force, which, he assured, would initiate strong action against the accused.
The trust has appealed to the police to conduct a thorough investigation and initiate strict legal measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Screenshots and photos of the alleged comments were also enclosed as evidence along with the complaint.
The Vasco police have acknowledged receipt of the complaint and are expected to begin inquiries into the matter.
