Aligarh Muslim University Professor's Anticipatory Bail Rejected by Allahabad HC in Hindu Mythology Case
Professor Booked for Allegedly Comparing Hindu Gods to Historical Figures
Accused of "Promoting Enmity Between Different Groups"
Aligarh: The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of an Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) professor booked for allegedly comparing Hindu gods to historical figures.
Professor Mohammad Shahzad was booked under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for allegedly promoting enmity between different groups on the basis of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, and so on.
The first information report (FIR) against Shahzad was lodged at the Kotwali police station in Aligarh on January 10 based on a complaint filed by one Vikas Sharma, who accused the professor of making derogatory remarks against Hindu gods in a lecture on January 4.
In his complaint, Sharma alleged that Shahzad compared Lord Shiva to Mughal emperor Akbar and Lord Hanuman to freedom fighter Bhagat Singh during the lecture.
Shahzad had filed an anticipatory bail application before the Allahabad High Court, seeking protection from arrest in the case.
However, the court rejected his plea, observing that the allegations against him were serious in nature and that he could not be granted anticipatory bail at this stage.
The court also noted that Shahzad had not cooperated with the police investigation and had failed to appear before the investigating officer despite being summoned.
The court directed Shahzad to surrender before the police within two weeks and cooperate with the investigation.
If convicted, Shahzad could face a jail term of up to three years or a fine, or both.
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