Prophet Row: Kolkata Police Summons Suspended BJP Lead Nupur Sharma

In the slew of FIRs against suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma, another was added as Kolkata Police on June 13 issued notice to her in connection with her controversial remarks about Prophet Muhammad. Reports suggest she has been asked to appear at Narkeldanga Police station on June 20 to record her statement.

The Narkeldanga Police Station, Eastern Suburban Division of Kolkata Police, issued the summons under Section 41A (Notice of appearance before police officer) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Sharma in her raging frenzy made controversial remarks about the Prophet which has triggered violent protests across India. The protest in many places also resulted in a loss of life. It also sparked rioting in various districts of West Bengal and in two of them, the internet had to be shut down because of the riot intensifying.

Tensions rose mostly in Kolkata's minority-dominated Uluberia, Domjur, and Panchla neighbourhoods, which are adjacent to the Howrah district. It extended to minority-dominated enclaves in other West Bengal districts, like Murshidabad and Nadia. Rioters also set fire to the BJP Headquarters in Howrah and stole stores in Murshidabad and vandalised a local railway in Nadia.

Suggested Reading: Nupur Sharma Controversy: Speaking From Public Platforms Calls For Accountability

Kolkata Police Summons Nupur Sharma, Other FIRs Against Her From All Over The Country

 Contai Police:

On Sunday, June 12, Abul Sohail, the general secretary of the Trinamool Congress' minority cell, filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Sharma at the Contai police station in East Midnapore, West Bengal, for her remarks. The FIR was filed under the Indian Penal Code's Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different communities), 504 (intentional provocation resulting in public disorder), 505 (public mischief), and 506 (criminal intimidation).

Delhi Police:

On June 8, Delhi Police filed two FIRs for allegedly propagating hate and hurting religious sensibilities, one against Nupur Sharma and the other against 31 people, including AIMIM chairman Asaduddin Owaisi and controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand. Officials said the two FIRs were filed on Wednesday following a social media investigation.

Sections 153 (wantonly offering provocation with the intent to provoke riot), 295 (injuring or defiling a place of worship with the intent to offend the religion of any class), and 505 (statements conducive to public order) were used to file the prosecutions.

Bhiwandi City Police:

Sharma has already been served with a notice by the Bhiwandi City Police on May 30. Bhiwandi comes under Thane district and Nupur Sharma has sought extra time before appearing in front of the police. Speaking to the reporters, a police official stated that Sharma sought four weeks' deferment in her appearance and that the officials are mulling over whether to approve it or issue another summons.

Meanwhile, the Pydhonie Police summoned her on June 25. The complaint was filed against Sharma in the Pydhonie area of Mumbai by a member of the Raza Academy.