Hyderabad Police reported, ‘Initial investigation has revealed that the miscreant involved in the incident at Mutyalamma temple is identified as Salman Salim Thakur, also known as Salman, aged about 30 years, a native of Mumbra, near Mumbai, Maharashtra. He arrived in Hyderabad in early October 2024 to attend a month-long personality development workshop organized by English House Academy, under the correspondence of Munawar Zama, Md. Kafeel Ahmed, and others at Hotel Metropolis in Regimental Bazar, Secunderabad’.
The police added, ‘It has been found that the hotel premises were rented illegally for the purpose of running this academic course, which has no formal permission. Necessary legal action is being taken up against the management for these violations’. In its statement, Hyderabad City Police reported, ‘Further investigation has revealed that the accused, Salman Salim Thakur, also known as Salman, holds a B.E. in Computer Engineering and is active on social media’.
It further reported, ‘He began watching videos of Islamic religious preachers, such as fugitive Zakir Naik and others, on platforms like Facebook and You Tube. Through self-radicalization, he developed a radical mindset and harbored hatred toward practices of other religions, particularly Hindu practices like idol worship’.
Zakir Naik, an Islamic preacher known for his inflammatory rhetoric, has been widely criticized for promoting hate-filled speeches that incite anti-Hindu sentiments and support Islamic radicalism. His controversial views and encouragement of extremism attracted the attention of Indian authorities, leading to investigations against him.
In 2016, amidst mounting legal pressure, Naik fled to Malaysia, where he was granted permanent residency, evading prosecution while continuing to advocate his divisive ideology, raising concerns about his influence on radical elements.
The statement continued, ‘It was also discovered that the accused has been involved in similar incidents in Mumbai, Maharashtra, previously, including the following: Cr. No. 412/2022 under Section 295(A) IPC, dated 6.9.2022, at PS Arey Sub, Mumbai, Maharashtra, where he entered a Ganesh pandal wearing footwear and argued with locals, mocking idol worships practices.
Cr. No 239/2024 under Section 298 BNS, dated 1.8.2024, at PS Mira Road, Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar Police, Maharashtra, where he trespassed into the Sri Manokamana Siddhimahadeva Mandir and desecrated the idol of Lord Shankar by stepping on it, thereby insulting the Hindu religion and faith’.
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