Muslim NGOs condemn Sunday's explosion

Members of the Federation of Muslim NGOs on Tuesday condemned the Church Street blast that killed a Chennai woman, Bhavani Devi, on Sunday.

However, they cautioned the authorities against making statements that would prejudice the investigations and spread hatred against the Muslim community.

“We are shocked at the statement of Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju, that the possibility of the involvement of Simi cannot be ruled out. Why did he pick only Simi and why not Sanathan Sanstha which is also accused of terror attacks in the past? Terrorism has no religion or colour,” said Masood Abdul Khader, convener, Federation of Muslim NGOs, while addressing a press conference.

Speaking with Deccan Herald, federation member Irshad Ahemad Desai, also the state convener of Association of Protection of Civil Rights, said such allegations about anyone’s involvement should not be made without prior investigation or concrete evidence.

“Our deepest sympathies are with Bhavani and her family. However, the authorities should take names only after enough proof is found. As soon as Simi’s name comes up, there is a general air of suspicion that crops up among the public. This is a bad tendency. Whoever be the culprit of such heinous crimes, whether a Muslim, Hindu or Christian, he should be punished, if found guilty, and should get the maximum punishment.”

He urged the police to carry out the investigation in a free and fair manner and not allow the real culprits to go scot-free.