The Madhya Pradesh Police have said they may not have enough evidence to charge the 11 people in Khandwa town who were arrested on Sunday for carrying an allegedly inflammatory poster, The Indian Express reported on Wednesday.
Five Muslim teenagers were among those arrested for displaying a poster with a picture resembling former Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan during a procession organised on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi on Sunday.
“We are consulting legal experts about dropping the section pertaining to sedition in the case,” Superintendent of Police Shesh Narayan Tiwari told ANI.
While the youngsters were let go on Monday, the others were produced before the court of the chief judicial magistrate in Khandwa town on Tuesday, The New Indian Express reported. Pankaj Soni, who owns the printing press where the poster was published, was granted bail, while the other accused –Tausif, Rehan, Shahrukh, Azam and Kasim – were sent to judicial custody.
On December 4, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhupendra Singh had tweeted that the government will strictly deal with those attempting to disturb the peace in the state.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!