TNR Desk
The Surat police in Gujarat have arrested a radical Islamic preacher for allegedly issuing death threats to Hindu activist Updesh Rana, founder of pro-Hindu outfit ‘Sanatan Sangh’, and plotting to kill former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma who had courted a controversy after her comments on Prophet Muhammad.
The accused, identified as Sohail Abubakar Teemol, a resident of Kathor in Surat, was taken into custody following an investigation. Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot confirmed the arrest during a press conference, shedding light on the nature of the threats made against Rana.
Served as factory manager
Sohail, who also serves as a factory manager, holds the position of Aalim (Islamic scholar) at a local madrassa. His alleged threats to Rana were conveyed through WhatsApp, prompting Rana to file a police complaint against him.
Further revelations indicate that Sohail had not only targeted Rana but also had plans to harm former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and Hyderabad MLA T Raja Singh. The police also recovered anti-Hindu content on Sohail’s mobile phone, raising concerns about his extremist inclinations.
Had several Hindu leaders on target
The Police Commissioner said that Sohail and his associates had a list of other Hindu leaders they intended to target.
The police said Sohail had reportedly been in touch with handlers in Nepal and Pakistan for about 1.5 years, in addition to contacts in Indonesia, Vietnam and Kazakhstan. He utilised gaming platforms to maintain contact with his accomplices, they said.
2022 Nupur Sharma controversy
The Police Commissioner characterised Sohail as an Islamic fanatic seeking retribution against those he perceived as mocking Prophet Muhammad.
The backdrop of the incident dates back to the 2022 Prophet Muhammad remarks row, initiated by comments made by Nupur Sharma during a debate on the Gyanvapi Mosque dispute. Nupur Sharma’s comments sparked controversy after her reference to the wedding of Prophet Muhammad to Aisha.
