AIMIM files complaint against former UP Shia Wakf Board chairman for blasphemy

A delegation of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) on Wednesday lodged a complaint against former Uttar Pradesh Shia Wakf Board chairman Wasim Rizvi for blasphemy.

The delegation of AIMIM leaders, led by party president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, lodged a complaint against Rizvi with Hyderabad Commissioner Anjani Kumar, who assured that a criminal case would be booked. They brought a book authored by Rizvi to the Commissioner's attention in which he allegedly vilified Prophet Mohammed. Owaisi alleged that the author used objectionable language against the Prophet, Islam and its followers.

"The contents of the book and the objectionable statements have been made with a view to outrage the religious sentiments of those who follow Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and abide by Islamic tenets," reads the representation submitted to the Commissioner. They further alleged that Rizvi's statement is targeted at creating enmity against Muslims in India. This poses a likely threat of breach of peace, they added.

The Hyderabad MP has demanded that Rizvi and his associates be booked under Sections 153A, 153B, 295A, 504 and 505 (1) c of the Indian Penal Code. He also urged Muslims and other peace-loving people of the country to file criminal cases against Rizvi.

"This person has become a tool in the hands of the people who are inimical to the integrity and peace of this country, and he is being used by anti-Islamic forces who do not believe in India's pluralism and diversity," Owaisi said.