A case has been filed against SP MLA Abu Azmi on Tuesday, at the Wagle Estate Police Station in Maharashtra’s Thane, based on a complaint filed by Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske.
In his complaint, Mhaske accused Azmi of making remarks praising Mughal ruler Aurangzeb that the Shiv Sena (UBT) MP claimed have offended religious sentiments.
Azmi has been charged under sections 299, 302, 356(1), and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Azmi, who serves as the SP’s Maharashtra president, had earlier praised Aurangzeb’s reign, claiming that during his rule, India’s borders extended to Afghanistan and Myanmar, and the country was referred to as the “golden sparrow” with a GDP contributing 24% to the global economy.Eknath Shinde accuses Azmi of ‘treason’His remarks drew backlash from Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who demanded that Azmi be charged with treason for allegedly glorifying Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, a figure often accused of brutalising Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.When questioned about the historical conflict between Aurangzeb and Sambhaji Maharaj, Azmi dismissed it as a political struggle. However, Shinde condemned the SP leader’s comments, calling them an insult to national icons. He highlighted the gruesome torture inflicted on Sambhaji Maharaj by Aurangzeb, including the removal of his eyes, fingers, and tongue, as well as being skinned alive.“It is a grave offense to praise such a figure. Azmi must apologize. The Chief Minister has taken serious note of this matter. By glorifying Aurangzeb, Azmi has disrespected patriots like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son Sambhaji Maharaj, who are symbols of our national pride. He should be charged with treason,” Shinden said.Trouble mounting for Azmi?The controversy has gained traction amid the release of the Hindi film Chhaava, which portrays the valor and sacrifices of Sambhaji Maharaj. Meanwhile, supporters of Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction have intensified their protests, filing two complaints against Azmi in Mumbai and Thane.
In Thane, the FIR was registered at the Wagle Estate police station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions related to deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings and defamation. A police official confirmed that an investigation is underway.
In Mumbai, Shiv Sena members, led by functionary Kiran Pawaskar, submitted a written complaint at the Marine Drive Police Station, urging legal action against Azmi for his remarks. Authorities said that they are gathering detailed information about the MLA’s comments and will proceed in accordance with the law.
(With inputs from ANI)