A man working at a mobile service provider outlet in Mumbai was booked by the city's police for allegedly uploading a picture of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb as his WhatsApp profile picture.
The incident came to light when Amarjeet Surve, a member of a Hindu organization, received a screenshot showing the accused with the controversial profile picture.
Amarjeet requested the man to remove the image, citing the current sensitivities surrounding Aurangzeb in the state. The accused claimed to be in a bad mood but promised to remove the picture.
However, Amarjeet later discovered that the profile picture was still unchanged, leading him to file a complaint with the Vashi police station in Navi Mumbai.
Based on the complaint, the police registered a case against the accused under sections 298 and 153-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Section 298 deals with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings, while section 153-A pertains to promoting enmity between different religious or ethnic groups.
The accused was apprehended, interrogated, and subsequently released. Presently, no arrests have been made in connection with the case.
This incident is part of a larger trend of communal tension in various cities in Maharashtra surrounding the alleged glorification of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan.
In Maharashtra's Kolhapur, a social media post that reportedly glorified Aurangzeb and disrespected a Maratha national icon triggered protests.
On June 7, several right-wing organisations called for a Kolhapur bandh (shutdown), which rapidly turned into violent riots.
Protesters expressed their strong opposition to the glorification of Mughal leaders on Maratha land and vowed to protect Hindu society.
The situation turned violent in Sangamner town during a rally organized by Sakal Hindu Samaj in response to the alleged murder of a boy. Stones were hurled, resulting in injuries to two individuals and damage to five vehicles.
Additionally, in another incident in Sangamner, objectionable slogans were raised and a poster of Aurangzeb was displayed during a religious procession.
These incidents highlight the deep-rooted religious and communal tensions prevailing in some parts of Maharashtra. The authorities are working to address the situation and maintain peace and harmony in the state.