FIR against BJP's Hyderabad candidate Madhavi Latha for gesture at a mosque

An FIR was filed against BJP's Hyderabad Lok Sabha candidate Kompella Madhavi Latha after a video went viral on social media which showed her directing an imaginary arrow at a mosque during a Ram Navami procession.

In the video, which went viral last week, Madhavi Latha is seen stretching her arms into a position like drawing an arrow and directing it at a mosque which was covered with a white cloth.

The complaint was filed against Latha at the Begumbazar Police Station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 295A (anyone who intentionally injures or offends the feelings or religious beliefs of any group by word, writing, symbol, or image representation).

"Madhvi Latha has been making derogatory comments against the Muslim community since she was announced as the MP candidate by the BJP party for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. On 17-04-2024, during Shri Ram Navami Shobhayatra procession, Madhvi Latha made a gesture of drawing an imaginary arrow and shooting it at the Masjid," the FIR stated.

"She expressed great joy after her heinous conduct of this action.



This irresponsible action of her has hurt the sentiment of the Muslim community to such an extent that the pain and anguish has been felt by the entire community," it added.

The video sparked a massive political controversy with Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief accusing the BJP of disturbing the peace of the city.

"BJP, RSS people have shown provocative actions. I appeal to the youth of Hyderabad to observe what the BJP and RSS are doing to the peace of Hyderabad, and utilise your vote accordingly. The BJP and RSS want to disturb the peace of the city. You want to spoil the people of Hyderabad. People have seen their actions. Is this Narendra Modi’s Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas?" Owaisi had said.

However, Latha did issue a clarification over the row, claiming that the video was edited.

"It has come to my notice that a video of mine is being circulated in the media to create negativity. I would like to clarify that it’s an incomplete video and even because of such a video, if anyone’s sentiments are hurt, then I would like to apologise as I respect all individuals," she said in a post on X.