AIMIM UP chief booked for 'you marry once but keep three mistresses' remark

Shaukat Ali, a resident of Azamgarh, had allegedly made the remarks during a speech at a private programme in Sambhal Kotwali limits on Friday.

Sambhal (UP): Shortly after his controversial remarks against the majority community, Uttar Pradesh All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Shaukat Ali was booked here for "disturbing communal harmony", police said on Saturday.

Accused Shaukat Ali, a resident of Azamgarh, had allegedly made the remarks during a speech at a private programme in Sambhal Kotwali limits on Friday. A complaint was filed against him by one Archit Aggarwal, Superintendent of Police Chakresh Mishra was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

"Sometimes these people say 'you have too many children. Sometimes, they question the practice of two or more marriages. Even if we get married twice, we provide both wives the same respect in society. You, on the other hand, get married once and have three mistresses, and tell no one. Nor do you provide them respect," Ali said at the event.

He has been booked under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, language, etc) and 295A (deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings) of the Indian Penal Code. Strict action will be taken against whoever makes any statement that disturbs religious harmony, the officer warned.

Ali also made a purportedly veiled political remark during his speech. "The identities of our children from both marriages are officially enlisted in ration cards and Aadhar cards. Your illegitimate offspring, on the other hand, do what is often on display. They shout slogans and beat people up," he added.

Slamming the BJP further in the backdrop of the recent Varanasi court verdict related to carbon dating, Ali noted that the decision by the court must be accepted by all parties and added that 'the country was run in accordance to the constitution, rather than the will of any political side.'

"We have ruled for 832 years. You used to put your hand behind your back when in front of the Emperor and act at his beck and call. Akbar married Jodha Bai and made her the 'Malika-e-Hindustan'. We never discriminated against anyone. Who can possibly be more secular than us? Alongside us, we also uplifted people from your community to the top," he also stated.