UP Police register FIR against SP worker Yusuf Malik over ‘false Azam Khan message about Iran protest’

BAREILLY: Police registered an FIR against Samajwadi Party functionary Yusuf Malik for allegedly issuing a false statement in the name of senior SP leader Azam Khan, who is lodged in Rampur jail in connection with two PAN card cases, and claiming that Muslims should wear black clothes or tie black bands while offering Eid namaz in protest over the war in Iran.Rampur SP Vidhya Sagar Mishra told TOI, "The FIR has been lodged under BNS section 196 (promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between different groups) and 353 (statements conducing to public mischief)."According to police, Malik told local media outside the jail that he had met Azam Khan and was conveying his "message" to Muslims, asking them to wear black clothes or tie black bands during Eid namaz as a mark of protest. The statement was later shared widely on social media.Police said their probe found that Malik did not meet Azam Khan on March 14 or 15, contrary to his claim. Jail authorities also confirmed that no such meeting took place, a senior police officer said.Police said the accused allegedly circulated a false and provocative message that could mislead the public and disturb law and order. Based on a complaint lodged by sub-inspector Prem Chandra Sharma at Ganj Kotwali police station in Moradabad, an FIR was registered against Malik.