Expelled BJP MLA Yatnal booked for comments on Prophet Mohammed

Vijayapura: The Gol Gumbaz police in Vijayapura on Wednesday booked expelled BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for his alleged derogatory remark against Prophet Muhammad during a Ram Navami event in Hubballi.

Following a complaint by Mohammad Hannan, alleging that Yatnal made a provocative and derogatory remark on Prophet Muhammad and Islam, the Gol Gumbaz police have booked the Bijapur City MLA under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 196, 299 and 353 for “promoting enmity” between communities, insulting religious beliefs and spreading false information with his remarks.

During his speech at the Ram Navami event at Bani Oni in Hubballi on
April 7, Yatnal said some Hindus tend to pose as ‘more Muslims’ than the Muslims themselves.

Taking a swipe at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, Yatnal allegedly said, “A new Prophet Muhammad was born in Balasaheb Thackeray’s house.”

The complainant has alleged that Yatnal has hurt religious sentiments of Muslims with his remarks. Such comments can disrupt peace in the society, he said.