Surat: Mustaq Siddique Kanuga, the Ward President of Congress No. 11, has filed a police complaint against eleven individuals, including former Congress corporator Aslam Cyclewala. They are accused of posting inflammatory messages and comments on social media regarding the decision not to hold the Eid-e-Milad procession in the aftermath of the stone-pelting incident that took place during the Ganesh Utsav in the Sayedpura area. The police have arrested six individuals in this case, while the arrest of Aslam Cyclewala is still pending.

Stones were pelted at the Ganesh Pandal ‘Variavi Cha Raja’ on September 8 in the Sayedpura area. In response, the police held a peace committee meeting to ensure that communal violence does not escalate during Eid-e-Milad on September 16 and Ganesh Visaran on September 17. Leaders from two committees of the Muslim community, Eid-e-Miladunnabi and Siratunnabi, unanimously appealed not to take the procession on the main roads, including the city’s highways, and to celebrate in a smaller, more brief manner.

However, some elements within the Muslim community opposed the decisions made by both committees. They engaged in provocative acts using vulgar language through messages, comments, and posts on social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp, including making provocative remarks and bets during public appearances, leading to public unrest.

In this context, Mustaq Siddique Kanuga, a member of the peace committee at Lalgate Police Station and the President of Ward No. 11 of Congress, conducted an investigation. He found that ex-Corporator Aslam Cyclewala actively incited opposition against Mauhuddin Qadri, a member of the Eid-e-Milad committee. Following this, a complaint was filed at Lalgate Police against eleven individuals, including Aslam Cyclewala.

The accused include Surat City Congress leader and former corporator Aslam Feroze Cyclewala, along with Salman, Liaquat Syed, Wasim, Mushaji Lukman, Rajukureshi, Irfan Mansuri, Mazhar Syed, Sajju Bapu, and Saeed Accha.

Provocative comments were made by various individuals in specific social media groups. Liaquat Syed (alias Bapu) posted in the Indian Hero Group, Salman in the Janat Khabar News group, Salim Raja in the Salabatpura group, Wasim in the Folk Problem group, Mushaji Lukman in the Royal group, Rajukureshi and Irfan Mansuri in Manjubhai’s Surat group, while Syed Mazhar and Saeed Achcha also made comments on Facebook.

In this regard, DCP Rajdeep Singh Nakum stated that a crime was registered following the Sayedpura violence. Afterward, a peace committee meeting was convened where Hindu and Muslim leaders met and agreed that the main procession would not be taken out by the Muslim community in the divided area, especially with the Eid procession and Ganesh Visaran occurring on consecutive days. They emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in the city. In opposition to this agreement, some miscreants made derogatory comments on social media aimed at defaming committee members and spreading hatred between Hindus and Muslims, as well as within the Muslim community itself.

In response, a person named Mustaq filed a complaint at Lalgate Police Station. A complaint was registered against eleven individuals, resulting in the arrest of six suspects, with five still pending arrest. The main accused is Sanjubapu, who has a prior criminal record. The complaint also highlights the aggravating roles of Shahid Achha Karee and Aslam Cyclewala. All individuals involved will undergo a criminal background check. The police are committed to taking the necessary actions to maintain peace in the city, the senior officer added.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Aslam Cyclewala, an accused in this case, has released a video stating that the complaint against him is politically motivated. He asserted, “I have never advocated for communal hatred in my public life.” He called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation and, if evidence is found against any wrongdoer, to take appropriate action. DeshGujarat