New Delhi (ILNS): The Madhya Pradesh High Court today granted anticipatory bail to Congress MLA Arif Masood, accused of inciting religious hatred in a protest at Bhopal’s Iqbal Maidan.
His lawyer Ajay Gupta later said that the High Court has passed the order and that a copy of the order will be received soon. The Talaiya police had registered a case of inciting religious sentiments against Masood. Six people have already been arrested in this case.
The Talaiya police had earlier registered a case of violation of Section 144 of IPC, but later FIRs were lodged against 7 people including Masood for inciting religious sentiments. Till now, all 6 accused, except the MLA, have been placed behind bars.
Masood was at the Bihar elections during the FIR, but his mobile phone was switched off after that. However, he continued to post on social media.
Arif Masood, MLA from Bhopal Central, has been accused of mobilizing the Iqbal Maidan crowd against the terrorist incident in France and provoking the religious sentiments of the people. During this time he burnt the flag of France and the effigy of the French President. During this speech, Masood said that the ministers of the Hindu government of the Centre and the state are also supporting the act of France.
Earlier, the High Court had fixed the matter for November 25. Masood had said in his bail application that if he does not get bail, he will surrender in court. In view of this, the Bhopal Court has been converted into a cantonment. For two days, the entire team of police was stationed there due to the possibilities of surrender.