Background
Haji Wasi is a local activist and a builder who was arrested by the Police, falsely accusing him of funding the violence in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP) on June 3, 2022. The incident was a call to protest against former Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) spokeswoman Nupur Sharma’s remarks against Prophet Muhammad on national television. Protests were held in small pockets in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and elsewhere.
The incident turned violent, and several people were injured in the clashes with the Police. Soon after the incident, the Kanpur Police set up the State Investigating Agency (SIT) to investigate the matter and arrested Muslim activists for “conspiracy” to disturb communal harmony. Haji Wasi was accused of providing funds to the alleged “mastermind” of the Kanpur violence Zafar Hashmi who was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) along with other Muslim activists.
The SIT named Wasi in three FIRs and demolished one of his buildings while seizing nine others. Wasi was arrested at Amausi Airport, Lucknow, in July 2022.
Charges and Allegations
Arrested under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act.
Current Status
Not released yet