FIR against Congress councillors for not singing Vande Mataram:First such action by Indore Police; 4.5 hour questioning conducted

In Indore, the first FIR has been registered in the ‘Vande Mataram’ controversy. Major action has been taken in connection with the dispute during the municipal corporation’s budget session on April 8, where the national song was not sung and objections were raised. After an investigation, MG Road police on Wednesday registered a case against two Congress women councillors — Rubina Iqbal Khan and Fauzia Sheikh Aleem. This is the first FIR in the Vande Mataram dispute in Indore. The police had summoned both accused councillors on Monday and Tuesday for questioning. Their statements were recorded, and they were questioned for around four-and-a-half hours. According to ACP Vinod Dixit, the entire sequence of events was examined following the complaint, after which action was taken. A case has been registered under Section 196(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for promoting enmity between groups and disturbing communal harmony. The ACP said that the BJP councillor group had lodged a complaint at MG Road police station, after which a detailed investigation was carried out. Dispute during budget session over singing the song The controversy began during the April 8 budget session of the municipal corporation over singing ‘Vande Mataram’. Councillor Fauzia Sheikh Aleem had asked the chair to show the rule or law that makes singing the song mandatory, after which she left the House. Councillor Rubina Iqbal Khan’s statement further escalated tensions. Both later recorded their statements with police and were questioned for several hours. Both councillors cited religion and constitution Both councillors defended their stand. Rubina Iqbal Khan cited her religion and told police that the Supreme Court grants freedom in such matters. She also apologised for her controversial remark. Fauzia Sheikh Aleem told police that the Indian Constitution guarantees religious freedom and freedom of expression, and no one can be forced to sing any song. She further alleged that when she was trying to raise civic issues such as water problems and public concerns, BJP councillors deliberately brought up the ‘Vande Mataram’ issue to divert attention. Said – It is necessary to discuss city issues Rubina told Dainik Bhaskar that they do not sing Vande Mataram due to religious restrictions in Islam. Fauzia Sheikh Aleem declined to comment further. Her husband, Sheikh Aleem, said the matter should now be closed and both sides should sit together to discuss the city’s development. Fauzia had demanded an Act making singing ‘Vande Mataram’ mandatory On the day of the budget, following the Speaker’s directions, Fauzia Sheikh Aleem had asked to be shown the law that makes singing Vande Mataram mandatory. Shortly after, she walked out of the House. Rubina Iqbal Khan had said, “if you are a true son, make me say it,” which made the House atmosphere sensitive. Leader of Opposition had called singing ‘Vande Mataram’ a personal choice Leader of Opposition Chintu Chouksey said that singing ‘Vande Mataram’ is a personal choice. He added that the Congress respects the national anthem and national song and that the matter has been reported to the state leadership. Rubina had also paid tribute to Khamenei Before the budget presentation, councillors Rubina Iqbal Khan and Fauzia Sheikh Aleem had also paid tribute to Iran’s Supreme Leader, who they claimed was killed in a US-Israeli attack. Rubina said Khamenei was martyred through deception by the US, which was opposed by BJP councillors who raised slogans of “Jai Shri Ram.”