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Former legislator and AIMIM leader Waris Pathan found himself in police custody on Monday, February 19, as he attempted to travel to Mira Road, the site of communal clashes in January. Pathan’s detention came as tensions escalated ahead of the consecration ceremony of the Lord Ram Lalla idol in the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Mumbai police detained Pathan at the Dahisar checkpoint while he was en route to Mira Road.
Expressing his frustration, Pathan stated to news agency ANI, “I had informed the police that I would go to Mira Road on February 19 but I was not given permission and they are not allowing me to go there.” A video shared on his social media account depicted the police escorting him to a police vehicle amidst slogans from AIMIM activists.
In a subsequent post, Pathan mentioned, “I was to meet the commissioner of police to submit a memorandum against people who are giving hate speeches and creating communal disturbances. But I’m arrested.”
The police had issued a notice under Section 149 to Pathan on Sunday. He questioned the legality of his detention, asking, “Under which law am I being stopped from going to Mira Road? People from outside can come and give speeches but I cannot go to meet people. Is this justice?”
The communal clashes in Mira Road occurred ahead of the consecration ceremony of the Lord Ram Lalla idol on January 22. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jayant Bajbale, explained, “The conflict between the two communities broke out at around 11 pm on Sunday when some people of the Hindu community were raising slogans in 3-4 vehicles in the Naya Nagar area of Mira Road adjacent to Mumbai.” He added, “Shortly after, an argument broke out between the Hindu community and some people belonging to the Muslim community. Seeing the deteriorating situation, the police vehicle immediately reached the spot and took some people into custody.
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