The United States’ State Department recently released India 2022 International Religious Report, a document that deals with the “status of religious freedom, government policies violating religious belief and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals”, cite several cases from Telangana, including that of Goshamahal legislator and suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader T Raja Singh’s offensive remarks about Prophet Muhammad.
The reports state that the Goshamahal legislator’s comments sparked protests, particularly in Hyderabad. “The lawmaker’s comments led to protests among the Muslim community in Hyderabad. In response, the BJP suspended T. Raja Singh from the party,” an excerpt reads, adding that later the Telangana High Court set aside the preventive detention order, and ordered Mr Singh’s release. After his arrest, Mr Singh was lodged at the Cherlapalli Central Prison.
The report also touches upon the Bulli Bai case in which several Muslim women from across the country were “auctioned” online. The name of Hyderabad-based social activist Khalida Parveen was one of the victims. “ Parveen said the app targeted Muslim women who were outspoken against the government. Parveen had previously called for arrest of Hindu religious leaders who at a gathering in Haridwar in December 2021 had publicly advocated killing Muslim Indians,” an excerpt reads.
