BJP irked by Imam's fatwa

Prashant Acharya, TT, SILIGURI, 12 Jan 2017: The Siliguri unit of the BJP has filed an FIR against the Shahi Imam of Tipu Sultan Mosque in Kolkata at Siliguri for making an offensive statement against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 7.

West Bengal BJP secretary Rathindra Bose filed the FIR at Siliguri police station against the Imam, also called Moulana Nurur Rahman Barkati, for declaring a fatwa by “offering a reward of Rs25 lakh to anyone who will be able to cut off the beard of our P.M. Narendra Modi and also shave his head and smear him with black ink".

Speaking to reporters, Bose said, “Such offensive statements can lead to discord among people. It can also lead to disharmony.”

The Imam declared the fatwa during a press meet organised by MP Idrish Ali and others of the TMC at the Kolkata Press Club.

ACP II East Achinta Gupta said, “We need approval from senior officers before accepting the FIR.”

In the meantime, the state BJP secretary said the party would approach the Siliguri Police Commissioner and request her to accept the FIR. "If the FIR is not accepted even after this, a case will be filed at the court against the Imam," said Bose.