Popular stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui and four others were arrested on Saturday after the son of a BJP MLA filed a complaint against them for allegedly ‘outraging religious feelings’. They were allegedly beaten up by a Hindutva mob before arrest, but no action has been taken against the mob.
In his complaint, Eklavya Singh Gaur, son of local BJP MLA Malini Laxman Singh Gaur, accused Munawar Faruqui and 4 others of making indecent’ remarks about Hindu deities as well as Amit Shah during a show.
According to India Today, the show was held at a cafe in 56 Dukan area of Indore. Comedian Munawar Faruqui, a resident of Junagadh in Gujarat and 4 others identified as Edwin Anthony, Prakhar Vyas, Priyam Vyas, and Nalin Yadav were taken to Tukoganj police station based on a written complaint.
A local court rejected their bail pleas and sent them to judicial custody. They were booked under sections 295-A (outraging religious feelings), 269 (unlawful or negligent act likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life), and other provisions.
Eklavya Singh Gaur, the BJP MP’s son who filed the complaint, further added,
The show mocked Hindu deities by passing indecent comments. The Godhra incident and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were also mentioned inappropriately.
Twitter erupted with reactions to his arrest, as well him being allegedly beaten up.
Further updates to the story are awaited.