Alt-News co-founder Mohammed Zubair get booked over posting on Yati Narsinghanad

Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair has been booked by the Ghaziabad Police following a complaint by Udita Tyagi, an associate of controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand. The complaint alleges that Zubair shared an edited video of an old program by Narsinghanand with the intent to provoke violence by Muslims against the priest. Tyagi claims that Zubair’s posts, made on October 4 and 5, stirred radical sentiments, resulting in a near attack on the Dasna Devi temple. According to her, she and Narsinghanand narrowly escaped the situation, which was defused by police intervention.

In response, Mohammed Zubair stated that the First Information Report (FIR) filed against him seemed deliberate, targeting him despite other journalists reporting on the same event. He expressed concern over the lack of verification before the FIR was lodged. The complaint was filed at Kavi Nagar police station, and the charges include promoting enmity between religious groups, fabricating false evidence, and inciting violence under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The controversy stems from Alt-News’ Mohammed Zubair’s social media posts, which Tyagi claims not only targeted Narsinghanand but also included comments on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP MLA Nand Kishore Gurjar, and Tyagi herself. Tyagi further alleged that these posts led to her receiving death threats online.

An FIR regd. against @zoo_bear in 5 sections of BNS by a BJP leader #uditatyagi. he is accused of hate speech, fir regd. At PS kavinagar.@Uppolice pic.twitter.com/NQ0PAanYjo

— Lokesh Rai (@lokeshRlive) October 7, 2024

The police have acknowledged the FIR and stated they are investigating the matter. Ghaziabad Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Mishra confirmed that authorities are scrutinizing individuals responsible for provoking people on social media, ensuring that appropriate action will be taken.

The situation has intensified as over 100 people gathered outside the Ghaziabad Police Commissioner’s office, demanding to know the whereabouts of Narsinghanand and calling for action against Alt- News’ Mohammed Zubair. In light of these tensions, police have increased security around the Dasna Devi temple, especially after protests over the weekend saw stone-pelting and clashes. The police apprehended 10 people involved in the protest, indicating the volatile nature of the situation.

This development adds to the ongoing tensions in the region, where religious sensitivities and freedom of speech continue to clash.