Social media influencer Ilyas Sharafuddin booked in Hyderabad over posts on Iran’s Supreme Leader
The complaint was filed on March 3 by Syed Azmath Hussain Jaffery, President of the Telangana Shia Youth Welfare Association.
By Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: A complaint is lodged with the Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, against social media influencer Ilyas Sharafuddin, alleging the circulation of controversial videos and posts against the deceased Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei.
The posts allegedly aimed at inciting communal disharmony and wounding the religious sentiments of the community.
The complaint was filed on March 3 by Syed Azmath Hussain Jaffery, President of the Telangana Shia Youth Welfare Association.
Thousands mourn in Old City over demise
With thousands on the streets of Old City mourning the demise, the video allegedly insulted the leader, which is termed as a ‘malicious act’.
The complaint details several specific grievances regarding Sharafuddin’s rhetoric, alleging that he:
- Labelled Shia slogans and practices as polytheism and innovation
- Accused Iranian leaders of being responsible for the deaths of Sunni Muslims in Syria, Yemen and Lebanon.
- Made derogatory remarks against the Panjetan (the Holy Five) and other figures revered by the Shia community.
Deliberate attempt at division
Jaffery stated that these allegations are a deliberate attempt to provoke enmity between the Shia and Sunni sects at a time of global mourning.
The complaint highlights that even prominent local political figures, including leaders from the AIMIM, have been participating in protests condemning the strike on Iran, underscoring the high emotional stakes in the region. “The utterance of these words is causing public mischief and hatred. The only intent is to create disturbance and unrest in the society,” the complaint reads.
Demand for action
The Telangana Shia Youth Welfare Association has requested the police to register a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for promoting enmity between different groups and performing acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony.
They have further urged the authorities to ensure the immediate removal of the offending videos to prevent further escalation of tension in Hyderabad.
The Hyderabad Police are currently monitoring the situation in the Old City, where security has already been beefed up due to ongoing protest rallies and mourning processions.
