Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah on Thursday approached the Supreme Court against the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s order directing the registration of an FIR over his controversial remarks against Colonel Sofia Qureshi. Shah has filed a petition seeking an urgent hearing. On Wednesday, following the High Court’s direction, police in Indore district registered an FIR against Shah.
Superintendent of Police (Rural) Hitika Vasal confirmed to PTI that an FIR has been registered at the Manpur police station under IPC Sections 152 (act endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India), 196(1)(B) (an act adversely affecting communal harmony), and 197(1)(C) (remarks targeting a member of a community with adverse effects on harmony).
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav posted on X that action was being taken against Shah in accordance with the court’s orders. The minister had made the remarks without naming Colonel Qureshi during a public event in a rural part of Indore district earlier this week, sparking widespread criticism and calls for his dismissal from the cabinet.
After the controversy erupted, Shah issued a video statement reiterating his apology. “The sentiments of every society have been hurt by my recent statement. For that, I am not only ashamed, sad from the heart, but also apologise,” he said. Referring to Colonel Sofia Qureshi, he added, “She is the sister of the country and has worked above caste and society while performing her national duty.”
Earlier in the day, Shah had said that if anyone had been hurt by his words, he was willing to apologise ten times and claimed he respected Colonel Qureshi more than his own sister.
