Allegedly hurt Hindu sentiments: Telangana Police arrests man

Hyderabad: Telangana Police arrested a Muslim man in Narayanguda over alleged comments disrespecting Hindu deities and idol worship, Siasat reported.

The incident, which arose from the alleged crime, happened on Friday night when the accused was paying his bill at an eatery. After he paid an amount, he was not paid back the change.

In a video, the accused could be heard telling another customer that he had paid Rs 450/- and he should be getting Rs 140/- back from the eatery keeper. Instead of paying him back, the accused says the keeper got angry with him.

Then, the accused could be heard stating, “I am a Muslim, and I am steadfast in my faith. These people worship stones.”

Immediately after hearing the accused’s statement, other customers, who could be Hindus, confronted him and pushed him.

Narayaguda SHO, U Chandra Shekar, told Siasat that the accused had been booked under sections 302 (hurting religious sentiments), 196 (disturbing communal harmony) and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He has been sent to 14 days of judicial remand, the SHO added.

However, the officer refused to name the accused, saying it could cause conflict between communities.

Hyderabad Police requested the public to maintain peace and avoid sharing provocative content on social media regarding the incident.