Jamaat-e-Islami Hind condemns Maulana Tauqeer Raza’s arrest, claims ‘misuse’ of power
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind condemns Maulana Tauqeer Raza’s arrest, claims ‘misuse’ of power
M.U.H
29/09/202536
Prominent Muslim organisation Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has strongly condemned the arrest of renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan and several others in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly, describing it as a troubling example of communal polarisation and misuse of state power.
In a statement on Sunday, JIH President Syed Sadatullah Hussaini criticised the authorities for misinterpreting the peaceful slogan “I Love Muhammad” as a threat to public order. He said, “To criminalise such an expression of devotion through sweeping FIRs and mass arrests is unjust and an alarming assault on India’s civilisational ethos of coexistence and pluralism.”
Hussaini highlighted that India has historically upheld mutual respect among diverse communities, and equating religious slogans with disorder reflects a politically driven crisis. He pointed out that Maulana Tauqeer Raza was initially placed under house arrest before FIRs were lodged under some of the harshest provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, indiscriminately naming hundreds of Muslims.
Condemning the derogatory remarks made by some political leaders against the Maulana, Hussaini said such rhetoric exposes the political motives behind the crackdown. He warned that the selective and disproportionate use of law enforcement against one community undermines the rule of law, breeds mistrust, and deepens alienation.
While condemning any unlawful acts, Hussaini stressed the importance of due process and impartial inquiry, noting that similar incidents in other contexts are handled with restraint, unlike the harsh measures imposed here.
He further warned that such politically motivated crackdowns, particularly before elections, erode democratic values and constitutional integrity.
Calling for peace, Hussaini urged the Muslim community to respond with patience and compassion, while demanding that the government withdraw excessive charges, release wrongfully detained individuals, and uphold justice, fairness, and constitutional principles.
