Prophet row: Naveen Kumar Jindal claims family is in danger
Days after being expelled from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the remarks against Prophet Muhammed, Naveen Kumar Jindal has claimed that his family is in danger of being attacked by the Islamic fundamentalists. Voicing his fear on Twitter, Jindal wrote in Hindi, "I humbly request all not to share any information about me and my family with anyone...people are posting my residential address."
Why does this story matter?
The development comes after BJP's now-suspended spokesperson Nupur Sharma and Jindal's controversial comments received considerable criticism on social media and from Arab countries. Complaints have been filed calling for their arrest, while both claimed to have received death threats. The issue triggered protests and violence across several cities on Friday prompting the police to arrest several protesters and leading to internet services being suspended.
Check out Jindal's tweet
Jindal summoned by Bhiwandi Police
Urging the Delhi Police to take action, Jindal shared a screenshot of a phone number from which he claimed to have received threats. Meanwhile, the Bhiwandi Police in Maharashtra's Thane summoned Jindal to appear before it on Wednesday to record his statement. To recall, the BJP expelled Jindal and suspended its spokesperson Sharma last week in response to their comments against the Prophet.
Jindal shares screenshot of the phone number
Hand grenade reportedly found near Jindal's house
On Sunday, Jindal retweeted a post by BJP leader Gaurav Goel alleging that a hand grenade had been found a few kilometers away from the former's residence. Goel had tweeted, "Hand grenade found in Delhi'>New Delhi which has been defused by NSG. Naveen Jindal is also living nearby. I request the Home Ministry of India to protect his life and liberty (sic)."
BJP suspended Sharma, expelled Jindal
After facing criticism from various quarters, the BJP had on June 5 suspended Sharma for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad. It also expelled Jindal, who was the media in-charge of the party's Delhi unit. The party had also issued a statement clarifying its stand on the issue. "BJP is strictly against any ideology that insults any sect or religion," the statement read.
