Mumbai: Amid tensions with Aurangzeb controversy, participants raised inflammatory and abusive slogans directing hateful slogans and songs towards Muslims during the Ram Navami procession outside Mumbai's International Airport on Sunday.
Video footage circulated online showed a large crowd, where many people were seen with saffron flags, chanting vulgar and threatening slogans such as “Aurangzeb Ki Kabr Khudegi, Maa ch***” alongside provocative and abusive songs that suggested inciting violence.
Over 13,500 police personnel, including 11,000 constables, 2,500 officers, and 51 assistant commissioners, have been deployed in Mumbai in light of recent events. Despite the high police presence and extensive monitoring through CCTV and drones, no action has yet been taken regarding the situation, according to a report.
Kunal Purohit, an independent journalist, has come under scrutiny for sharing videos on X related to a Ram Navami procession in Mumbai. Mumbai police requested that Purohit remove the videos, but he has refused, stating that he is merely documenting instances of hate. The procession, which took place near Mumbai's international airport, involved participants allegedly shouting offensive slogans against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Purohit described the chants as "songs that threaten brutal violence against Muslims.”
A few days later, Purohit received a mail from X to remove the post as his content may violate the Indian IT Act after the objection was raised against him by Mumbai Police. Purohit publicly reaffirmed his stance on X, declaring, “Dear @MumbaiPolice: fight hate, not journalism. Documenting hate is journalism.” He also asked the platform's support team for a copy of the notice.
The police have launched an investigation, with Pune's Zone VIII Deputy Commissioner Manish Kalwaniya confirming that an FIR has been registered against three individuals for violating provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
They are accused of using a loudspeaker during the Ram Navami procession and playing obscene songs. The ongoing investigation seeks to address the incidents reported, which include inflammatory slogans threatening violence against Muslims.
