Man booked for 'derogatory' comments against Mangaluru top cop Murugan

Mangaluru: Police have registered a case against a person for allegedly posting "derogatory and objectionable" comment on social media against Police Commissioner S Murugan regarding the ban on the entry of Islamic preacher Zakir Naik in the city. The accused, identified as Akbar Kudroli, is said to be residing in a foreign country, police said.

Akbar had made "derogatory" comments in a Facebook post against the city police commissioner relating to a ban on holding of a public meeting and public address by Dr Zakir Naik in the city, police has alleged.

Entry of Naik, who in his earlier speeches had denounced Hindu gods, into Mangaluru from December 31 to January 6 was banned by Murugan four days ago, saying the action was being taken to avoid possible disturbance of peace in the region.

In his post on Facebook, Akbar is said to have flayed the police decision and made derogatory comments against Murugan and members of his family.

Naik, founder of Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation, was scheduled to attend a convention of South Karnataka Salafi Movement in Mangaluru on January 3.

In March this year, police had banned the entry of Vishva Hindu Parishad international working president Pravin Togadia's in the coastal district of Udupi for a week "to maintain peace and law and order".

Togadia was then scheduled to attend 'Hindu Samajotsav', organised by right-wing outfits. Right-wing outfits had warned that they would be compelled to organise meeting by Togadia if Naik was permitted to enter the district.