Daijiworld Media Network – Jaipur
Jaipur, Apr 26: Tensions flared in Jaipur’s Walled City on Friday night after BJP MLA Mahal Balmukundacharya from Hawa constituency was booked for allegedly pasting a ‘Pakistan Murdabad’ poster inside a mosque following a protest rally against the Pahalgam terror attack.
According to police, the incident took place around 9 pm when Balmukundacharya and other BJP workers allegedly entered a mosque in Badi Chaupar and put up the poster, triggering outrage among local residents. “Over a hundred people from the Muslim community gathered and demanded the MLA’s immediate arrest,” said Additional CP Hari Shankar Sharma.
Large police contingents from five police stations, including senior officials such as Jaipur Commissioner Joseph and DCP North Rashi Dogra Dudi, rushed to the area to contain the situation.
The rally, jointly organized by BJP and VHP against the April 22 Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives, had earlier seen sloganeering and poster burning in the area. Videos reportedly circulated on social media appeared to show the MLA and other leaders placing the poster inside the mosque and trampling another near a bathroom. Supporters were also seen chanting “Jai Shree Ram” outside the mosque. The authenticity of the videos remains unverified.
Balmukundacharya defended his actions saying, “We were protesting against terrorism and Pakistan. The same posters were also put on pavements.”
Congress MLAs Rafeek Khan and Amin Kagzi arrived on the scene and helped initiate dialogue with the protesters. “After three hours of negotiations, an FIR was filed and the crowd dispersed peacefully,” said Additional CP Singh.
Jama Masjid secretary Javed Pathan condemned the act but urged residents to maintain peace. “The posters were pasted during Namaz, hurting our sentiments. But we have appealed for calm.”
Authorities have deployed three RAC companies, one STF, and two regular police companies across sensitive areas of Jaipur, with round-the-clock monitoring underway. Legal proceedings have begun against the MLA and other BJP workers involved.