BENGALURU: A Hindu outfit has urged police to cancel stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui’s show scheduled in the city on Saturday, citing concerns over past controversies and potential law and order issues.According to news agency PTI, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti said it has submitted a formal representation to Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh seeking cancellation of the event.In its letter, the outfit also referred to a 2021 case registered against Faruqui in Indore under various IPC sections, including allegations of hurting religious sentiments.He was subsequently arrested and remained in judicial custody for over a month before being granted bail by the Supreme Court.
The matter is still pending before the court, it stated.The organisation also cited similar complaints from Prayagraj and Mumbai over the allegedly objectionable and controversial content in his shows.It further noted that several of Faruqui’s shows in cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, Goa, Raipur and Gurgaon have previously been cancelled or denied permission over the years due to concerns over law and order.
“These cancellations were largely due to anticipated law and order issues and public protests,” it stated.Given this background, the organisation said there is a reasonable apprehension that allowing the proposed event in Bengaluru could hurt public sentiments and potentially lead to protests, unrest, and disruption of public peace and harmony.“In light of the above, we humbly request you to examine the background and past incidents associated with the performer, assess the law and order implications of permitting the event, consider denial of permission/cancellation of the proposed show and take necessary preventive measures to avoid any untoward incidents,” the organisation stated.The Samiti said its request is aimed solely at maintaining law and order and ensuring harmony among all sections of society.(With agency inputs)
