Clashes over Prophet row: Prayagraj district administration invokes NSA against ‘prime accused’ Javed Mohammed

Prayagraj police had arrested businessman and activist Javed Mohammad alleging he was one of the main conspirators behind the June 10 violence that occurred amid protests against the Prophet remarks row.

Mohammad Javed and Afreen Fatima are father-daughter duo at the centre of Prayagraj demolition. (Express photo)

More than a month after his arrest in connection with the June 10 violence that broke out in Prayagraj over the alleged derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammed made by now suspended Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Nupur Sharma, the district administration invoked the National Security Act (NSA) against one of the key accused Javed Mohammed on Sunday. He is currently lodged in Deoria jail.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shailesh Kumar Pandey also confirmed that Javed had been charged under NSA.

The NSA was invoked by the district magistrate on the basis of a local police report. Javed’s bail application is currently pending in Prayagraj’s sessions court.

Also Read | Javed & Afreen: The father-daughter duo at the centre of Prayagraj demolition

As per reports, Prayagraj police had arrested 54-year-old businessman and activist Javed Mohammad after his name allegedly came up during questioning of other accused persons in the case.

Police claimed that Javed had called for a “bandh” and urged people to join him through WhatsApp messages. The local businessman is popularly known as ‘Pump’.

A day after Javed’s arrest, the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) demolished his house after receiving a complaint about ‘illegal construction’ on the property. The PDA had stated that during inquiry, it was found that the construction of the house violated several norms.

On June 12, the PDA had demolished Javed’s house, a day after serving a notice to him asking him to vacate the property by next morning to go ahead with demolition proceedings.

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Prayagraj police have so far arrested 106 persons including seven minors in connection with the June 10 violence. The police are now looking for 33 others, whose role came to light during the investigation.

Prayagraj police have declared a reward of Rs 25,000 for the five absconding accused persons including AIMIM district president Shah Alam.

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