Controversial Remarks of a Maulana against Hindus Spark Communal Tension in Ballia

‘Half chaddi waale…’, controversial statement on Sangh-Hindutva, Maulana arrested; hundreds of Muslims reached the police station to rescue him in UP’s Balia.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Balia (UP) | Sept 13, 2025:: Maulana Shahabuddin, a teacher at Madrasa School Sariyanv and Imam of Jama Masjid in Nagra police station area of Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested for making controversial statements targeting Hindutva and the RSS. During a Barawafaat gathering, he allegedly said that those who wear half-chaddi and half-leg pyjamas are traitors to Islam and the country. He also urged Muslims to put up the flag of Islam instead of the Indian flag and chanted “Islam Zindabad” in response to “Hindutva Zindabad”.

The video of his speech went viral, prompting complaints and demands for action from various groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal. The Nagra police took swift action, registering a case against Maulana Shahabuddin under Section 353(3) of the Indian Justice Code for spreading inflammatory rhetoric and promoting communal disharmony. He was subsequently arrested on Saturday morning.

Key Details:

– Maulana’s Controversial Statements: Targeted Hindutva and RSS, urged Muslims to put up Islamic flags instead of Tri-colour
– Police Action: Registered a case under Section 353(3) of the Indian Justice Code, arrested Maulana Shahabuddin
– Community Reactions: VHP and Bajrang Dal demanded action, while Muslim community members protested the arrest
– Current Situation: Tense, with additional forces deployed to maintain law and order

Following his arrest, hundreds of Muslims gathered outside the Nagra police station, leading to a tense situation. Additional forces were deployed to maintain law and order, and the police administration appealed for calm and restraint from all parties to prevent further escalation.

A significant section of Muslims in India appears to favour the promotion of Sharia law, potentially at odds with the Indian Constitution. They also strongly oppose the prevailing Hindu culture or Hindutva in the country. Ironically, most political parties in India do not counter such sentiments; instead, they often appease Muslims as a minority group to garner the benefits of the Muslim vote bank.
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_Inputs from Agencies.