15/01/2009

Author of book questioning Islamic tenets arrested in Bihar

 

Patna, Jan 15 : The author of a book that reportedly questioned Islamic tenets has been arrested and charged with hurting the sentiments of the Muslim community, police said Thursday.

Mohammed Yasin Ahmad, author of the Urdu book "Islami Surah Ya Beimani Ka Panchnama", surrendered at the Pirbahore police station Wednesday night.

Ahmad's 154-page book stirred a controversy by questioning the 10 tenets of Islam and the functioning of the Khalifas.

On Monday, Maulana Kari Abdullah Bukhari, chief cleric of the Jama Masjid in Munger district, had complained about Ahmad and his wife Nilofer Yasin, who is the publisher of the book.

"The complainant told the police that there are objectionable references to Islam in the book," Patna Superintendent of Police Anwar Hussain said.

Based on the complaint, police Wednesday arrested a bookseller and detained and interrogated Niofer Yasin.

"A bookseller, Sarfaraz, was arrested. Nilofer was interrogated. All three have been charged with hurting the sentiments of the Muslim community," Hussain said.

Official sources said Bukhari had informed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar about the book and demanded immediate action.

Nitish Kumar directed Home Secretary Afzal Amanullah, the state minority commission chairman Naushad Ahmad and Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar to look into the matter.

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