Rajkot: Bhavnagar police on Wednesday arrested a 26-year-old cleric, Mohammad Shafiq Abbas Mahediya, for allegedly possessing provocative material that police say could incite religious hostility, hurt the sentiments of various communities and undermine national unity and integrity.A case was registered against him at Vartej police station under Sections 196(1)(a), 196(1)(b), 197(1)(c), 299 and 54 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).The arrest was made during a district-wide cordon-and-search operation against anti-social activities. As part of the operation, a joint team comprising the Bhavnagar Rural division, special operations group (SOG) and local police searched a house in the 25 Variya Housing Colony in the Sidsar area under the jurisdiction of Vartej police station.According to the police, the search led to the recovery of literature that allegedly contained material capable of promoting religious enmity, hurting the sentiments of different religious communities, undermining national unity and integrity, and insulting national symbols.The accused, who currently resides in Vartej, is from Banaskantha district.Addressing the media, Bhavnagar Rural division assistant superintendent of police (ASP) Ghanshyam Gautam said objectionable literature was recovered during a search of the cleric’s residence. He alleged that some of the writings contained derogatory references to deities of other religions.According to the ASP, preliminary questioning revealed that Mahediya had been staying in Bhavnagar since Oct 2024 and was teaching members of a particular community. Investigators also received information suggesting that a trust was providing financial assistance to the accused. Police said they have begun an investigation into the trust’s role. Mahediya is stated to have completed his religious education at Jambusar in Bharuch district.During interrogation, police said the names of two other individuals who allegedly assisted him surfaced, and efforts are underway to trace them. Police said that, in line with the state’s anti-radicalization policy, counselling with the assistance of subject experts will also be considered wherever necessary.
