Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair arrested by Delhi Police for allegedly hurting religious sentiments

Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair was arrested by Delhi Police on Monday for allegedly hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity.

The journalist has been charged under sections 153 (Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot—if rioting be committed—if not committed) and 295A (Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the Indian Penal Code.

Pratik Sinha, Alt News co-founder, said Zubair was called today for investigation in 2020 case for which he already had protection from arrest from High Court.

"However, today at 6:45 pm we were told he has been arrested in some other FIR for which no notice was given which is mandatory under law for the Sections under which he has been arrested," he added.

"No FIR copy is being given to us despite repeated requests," Sinha further said.

Police, however, said Zubair was arrested "after having sufficient evidence on record". He is being produced before the duty magistrate for seeking further PC remand, the police added.

"Present case registered on basis of a post on Twitter by handle Hanuman Bhakt @ balajikijaiin where he showed his anger against another Twitter handle in name of Mohammed Zubair regarding the post “BEFORE 2014: Honeymoon Hotel. After 2014: Hanuman Hotel," said Delhi police officials.

"A picture (in tweet) shown where signboard of hotel ‘हनीमून होटल ’ changed to ‘हनुमान होटल ’. Hanuman Bhakt @ balajikijaiin tweeted, “Linking our God Haunman ji with honeymoon is a direct insult of Hindus because he is brahmchari. Kindly take action against this guy"," they added.

This post of Zubair containing picture & words against a particular religious community are "highly provocative & done deliberately" which are more than sufficient to incite hatred among people which can be detrimental for maintenance of public tranquillity, the Delhi Police further said.