Hijab statement: Samastha leader Umar Faizi booked on non-bailable charges

KOZHIKODE: A case has been filed against Samastha Mushavara member Umar Faizi Mukkam on a non-bailable charge. The Nadakavau police registered the case based on a complaint filed by women's rights activist VP Suhara. A case has been registered on charges of creating religious conflict and hurting religious sentiments. Sections 295A and 298 of the IPC have been imposed.

Umar Faizi's remark was that those who don't wear a hijab (headscarf) are promiscuous. The police registered the case late on the complaint filed a few days ago. The complaint was triggered by a comment made by Umar Faizi in a channel discussion after CPM state committee member Anil Kumar's hijab statement.

Last October, VP Suhara filed a complaint with the Kozhikode City Police Commissioner demanding that a case be filed against Umar Faizi who insulted women who do not wear hijab. The complaint also alleged that Umar Faizi insulted the Muslim religion through the statement.

Later, VP Suhra protested at the 'Back to School (Thirike Schoolil)' program organized by Kudumbashree at Nallalam School. The PTA president had gone violent when VP Suhara, who was a guest at the event, took off her hijab and protested. Complaints were also raised that the PTA president used abusive language at Suhra. VP Suhra filed a complaint with the Nallalam police regarding the incident. Later, VP Suhra also criticized the CPM for backing away from the hijab controversy in view of the elections when the Kozhikode City Police did not file a case on her complaint.