Imam Mehdi Hasan, a cleric, was arrested for allegedly making provocative remarks against the Navratri festival. He was remanded in judicial custody on Wednesday.
Speaking to Gujarat daily Sandesh , the Imam reportedly termed the nine-day ‘Garba’ festivities “demonic” and criticised commercialisation of the event.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad called for his arrest and its member Riteshbhai Sutar filed a complaint in Kheda district.
The Thasra police station in Kheda registered a case under the Indian Penal Code Section 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) for hurting the religious sentiments of the Hindus. The cleric was arrested on Tuesday.
He was produced in court and given 14-day judicial custody.
