In a blow to controversial actor Ajaz Khan, a city court in Mumbai has sent him to 14-day judicial custody. The actor was recently arrested by the Mumbai Police over a controversial TikTok video. An official had told ANI that he had been arrested for posting videos on social media inciting communal hatred. A Mumbai Police spokesperson said that the Cyber Police had received complaints with the videos which had gone viral on social media. The police said, “It was found that Ajaz Khan has created/uploaded these videos with objectionable content mainly promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, etc. and create hatred among public at large.”
Mumbai: Actor Ajaz Khan sent to judicial custody for 14 days. A case was registered against him for creating/uploading videos with objectionable content promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, & creating hatred among public at large.
— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019
Ajaz Khan had posted a video mocking Mumbai Police for filing FIR against a group of TikTok users who were circulating a video which spoke of “revenge” in the case relating to mob lynching of Tabrez Ansari in Jharkhand. In this video posted by Ajaz Khan, consisting of several TikTok users, one of them can be clearly heard saying, “Maar toh diya Tum ne Tabrez ko, par Kal jab uski aulaad badla ke toh ye mat kehna Musalman atankwadi hai. (You killed Tabrez, but if his child takes revenge tomorrow, do not say that Muslims are terrorists.” The case had been registered against Khan under Section153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race etc.) and Section 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the IPC. He was also booked under Section 67 of the IT Act which relates to the publication of or transmission of obscene material in electronic form. This provision provides for a term which can extend to five years and a fine of an amount up to Rs. 5,00,000.
Khan’s lawyer had opposed judicial custody arguing that preliminary investigation was carried out before the actor was arrested and also the telecast material has already been seized. The police, however, remained firm on its stance that custody was required.
Meanwhile, another development has taken place which also spells trouble for Khan. Actress Payal Rohtagi has reportedly filed a complaint against Ajaz Khan. She has accused the controversial actor of making an objectionable video about her. She said, “I have filed a complaint as I am concerned about my safety.” She also said that Khan made a derogatory video targeting her for her political and religious beliefs.