The Chittorgarh Police in Rajasthan filed a First Information Report (FIR) against 21-year-old Sohrab Qayoom, a B Pharma student hailing from Rajouri, Jammu, and Kashmir, enrolled at Mewar University.
The incident occurred when Qayoom made offensive comments on Instagram, prompting a resident to file a complaint.
The FIR, lodged on January 25, charges Qayoom with violating IPC Sections 153 A and 295 A, which pertain to promoting enmity between different groups and deliberately insulting religious sentiments, respectively.
Currently in judicial custody, Qayoom faces serious legal repercussions for his actions.
Director of Mewar University, Harish Gurnani, informed media personnel that “the university has taken stringent measures against Qayoom, including his expulsion, in response to the incident.” adding he is under judicial custody.
Qayoom’s enrollment at Mewar University was facilitated through the Indian Army’s Special Scholarship Scheme, aimed at providing educational opportunities to economically disadvantaged students.
Reacting to the controversy, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) condemned Qayoom’s behaviour but appealed for leniency, citing his purported immaturity and lack of political understanding.
JKSA’s national convenor, Nasir Khuehami, emphasised that “such actions were unacceptable and detrimental to the values of tolerance in a diverse and democratic nation.”
In a statement issued today, Khuehami expressed concerns over the potential ramifications of the charges on Qayoom’s academic and career prospects.
He urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to review Qayoom’s case on humanitarian grounds, emphasising the need to withdraw the FIR for his rehabilitation.
The Association believes that withdrawing the FIR against Qayoom is critical for his rehabilitation, as the charges could jeopardise his future.
Additionally, it has come to light that Qayoom’s family in Rajouri is deeply distressed over the situation.
His father, Mohammed Qayoom, pleaded for understanding, stating that his son may have acted impulsively and without fully comprehending the consequences of his actions.
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