LUCKNOW: A cleric from Bihar, Maulana Abdullah Salim, publicly apologised after being arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) for allegedly making objectionable remarks against the mother of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The development comes after two FIRs were registered against him in Uttar Pradesh, triggering swift police action. According to officials, the STF detained Salim late Monday night from Purnea district in Bihar. He was subsequently brought to Bahraich under tight security and sent to jail on Tuesday. Sources said the operation was carried out following intelligence inputs and coordination between local police units and the STF.The case pertains to a speech delivered by the cleric on May 5, 2024, during a “social reform and educational awareness conference” held in Bhagalpur district of Bihar. During the address, Salim allegedly made derogatory remarks targeting the UP Chief Minister’s mother, which later surfaced on social media and drew sharp reactions, prompting legal action in Uttar Pradesh.In a video statement recorded after his detention, Salim admitted to his remarks and expressed remorse. “I, Abdullah Salim , admit my mistake. During the conference, some inappropriate and offensive words came out of my mouth which should not have been spoken. I fold my hands and sincerely apologise for my actions,” he said. He further assured that such an incident would not be repeated and appealed to others to exercise restraint in public speeches. “No statement should be made that hurts any individual, religion or disturbs social harmony,” he added, while specifically seeking forgiveness from the Chief Minister.Police said two FIRs have been registered against him in Uttar Pradesh—one at Nagar Kotwali police station in Bahraich district and another in Balrampur district—under relevant sections pertaining to promoting enmity and making inflammatory statements.Following his transit to UP, Salim was produced before a local court, which remanded him to judicial custody. He has since been sent to jail in Bahraich.Officials indicated that the investigation is ongoing and further legal scrutiny will be carried out, including examination of video evidence, digital trails, and witness statements. Authorities have reiterated that strict action will be taken in cases involving inflammatory or derogatory public remarks that have the potential to disturb communal harmony.“Recently, a video went viral on social media in which one Mohammad Salim, a resident of Araria district in Bihar, was seen making objectionable remarks against the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on a public platform. In this connection, FIRs were registered in Balrampur and Bahraich districts under Devipatan Range. Acting promptly, the STF unit of Gorakhpur brought the accused from Bihar to Kotwali Nagar, Bahraich for questioning. During interrogation, the individual admitted to his statement and issued an apology. Further legal proceedings are being carried out at Kotwali Nagar, Bahraich,” said Amit Pathak, Inspector General, Devipatan Range.
