Lucknow: Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi’s party, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), is in the spotlight in Uttar Pradesh after police arrested three of its leaders and launched a search for state president Shaukat Ali over alleged inflammatory remarks at a public event in Meerut.
The action came after speeches at an Eid Milan gathering in a Muslim-dominated area of the city, where the AIMIM launched its campaign for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election. The programme was seen as part of the party’s efforts to strengthen its presence in western Uttar Pradesh.
Ali, who is absconding, is seen in a viral video saying that “if any Muslim were killed in an encounter, those responsible would also be dealt with in the same way (encounter ka jawab encounter se dia jaega)”.
He said the AIMIM was a party that would protect the rights of Muslims, adding that even if it won just 11 seats in the Assembly, it would ensure that no Muslim faced police “encounters” in the state.
Ali also reacted to a recent comment by the Meerut Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), who had warned of strict action, including passport seizure and licence cancellation, against people offering namaz on roads.
In response, Ali said the police should also speak about action against those who perform “nagin dance” in front of mosques during Ram Navami processions. He also asked supporters to unite under the slogan, “one stick, one flag, one leader”.
Videos of this statement quickly spread on social media, drawing criticism and prompting police action for allegedly inciting violence. Police accused Ali of making statements that could disturb law and order.
After reviewing the footage, Uttar Pradesh Police registered an FIR against Shaukat Ali and the other organisers.
Meerut ASP (Kotwali) Antariksh Jain told the media the video showed individuals making “provocative” speeches that could harm public order and create tension between communities.
A case was filed at Meerut’s Lohia Nagar police station on charges of promoting enmity, circulating rumours, and joint liability for criminal acts done by several persons in furtherance of a common intention.
Police acted quickly and arrested three AIMIM leaders: Western UP president Mehtab Chauhan, Meerut city president Imran Ansari, and city secretary Raji Siddiqui. Police have also asked organisers to submit the full video recording of the event for further investigation.
The episode is a setback for the AIMIM, which, according to party sources, was planning to focus more on western Uttar Pradesh, where the Muslim population exceeds 20 percent.
Ali, main accused in FIR
According to Meerut police officials, Shaukat Ali has been named the main accused in the case. Other leaders named in the FIR include district president Chaudhary Faheem Raja, Owais Alam, Mehtab Chauhan, Imran Ansari, and Asjad.
While three of them have been arrested, police are searching for the remaining accused. Several police teams are tracking down Shaukat Ali, and raids are underway at possible hideouts.
The Meerut administration said it will follow a “zero-tolerance policy” against anyone trying to spread hatred in the name of politics or religion.
Officials also noted that the Eid Milan event, organised by district president Faheem Raja at a farmhouse in the Bahd area, was held without prior permission from the administration.
The controversy immediately drew a reaction from rival parties.
Amid rising tensions following Ali’s statement, BJP leader and former MLA Sangeet Som described him as an “insignificant leader” and said the public would drive him away.
The former Sardhana MLA added that Shaukat Ali would not be able to secure even 11 members, let alone 11 MLAs.
Taking an aggressive stance, he further claimed that Muslims have no leadership and said they would be safer if they joined the BJP at the earliest.
ThePrint tried to reach Shaukat Ali through calls, but he was not available to speak. This report will be updated if and when there is a response.
(Edited by Sugita Katyal)
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