Raza Academy

Raza Academy is a Sunni Barelvi organization of Indian Sufi Muslims that promotes Islamic beliefs through publications and research. The organization mainly publishes Sunni books and literature of Ala'Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza Al-Qadiri. The organization is located in Mumbai, and Mohammed Saeed Noori is its founding secretary.

2012 protests and Azad Maidan riots

On 11 August 2012, Raza Academy held a protest against the riots in Assam and attacks on Muslims in Myanmar at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, with two other groups. It ended in violence, killing two and injuring 54 others, including 45 policemen.[1][2][3] Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik said that the crowd turned violent around 3:00 pm, after some protesters showed “provocative photos” of the Assam violence. “Some people started raising slogans against the police and media. They set fire to police vehicles,” said Patnaik. “As we tried restraining the crowd, a scuffle broke out between the protestors and police.”[4]

The Mumbai Police Crime Branch alleged that the riot was part of a "big conspiracy". Crime Branch sources said the police were probing the alleged role of "outside agencies". Crime Branch officers said the police felt that the violence may have been pre-planned as the protestors were equipped with gear to torch vehicles.[5] According to the police, protesters set fire to three outdoor broadcasting (OB) vans and four police vans besides damaging several vehicles, including BEST buses. At least 30 vehicles were damaged in the incident. One of the police vans damaged belonged to the riot control police (RCP).[5] The police had to resort to lathicharge to disperse the crowd. Two of the OB vans belonged to ABP News and P7 News.[5] Of the 54 injured during the riots, 45 were policemen. Eight of the policemen sustained serious head injuries.[6] The police claimed that “at least five woman police constables were molested by mob."[7] There were also reports that a few of the rioters had stolen police weapons and fired in the air and at the police. However, no casualties were reported due to the firing.[7] Some photographers were also reportedly injured during the violence.[8] The police later claimed that provocative pamphlets were distributed during the protest. An officer stated that they are probing the source of the pamphlets. "The content on the pamphlets was provocative. We will be trying to get to the source and question him."[5]

President of the Raza Academy, Mohammed Saeed Noori said the “miscreants” involved in the violence were not associated with the academy. “Our protest was peaceful,” he said.[9] Noori, however, stated, an “irresponsible” speech had been made during the rally which, the Indian Express claimed, exacerbated tensions. Noori said: “There were several persons on the stage. One irresponsible person made statements regarding the media coverage. He was immediately stopped and attempts were made to calm the situation. We had no idea that this will happen,” he said, condemning the attack on the media.[9] Mohammed Saeed Noori refused to pay for the damages caused during riots.[10]

2015 fatwa against AR Rahman

In 2015, Raza Academy issued a fatwa against acclaimed Indian music composer AR Rahman and Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi for making a film on Muhammad.[11]

2016 protest against Zakir Naik

In 2016, Raza Academy held protests calling for the ban of Indian Muslim preacher Zakir Naik after investigations alleged that perpetrators of the 2016 Gulshan attack were inspired by Naik.[12][13]

References

  1. ↑ "Protest against Assam riots turns violent in Mumbai". The Times of India. Mumbai, India. IANS. 11 August 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  2. ↑ "Assam riots: 2 killed, 20 injured as protestors go on rampage in Mumbai". 12 August 2012.
  3. ↑ 2 dead, 54 hurt in Mumbai protest over Assam violence. Indian Express (2012-08-11). Retrieved on 2012-08-14.
  4. ↑ "2 dead, 54 hurt in Mumbai protest over Assam violence". The Indian Express. 12 August 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Police probing if violence was a ‘big conspiracy’". The Indian Express. 12 August 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
  6. ↑ "I could see them tossing policemen up and down". The Indian Express. 12 August 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
  7. 1 2 "Mumbai violence: Woman cops molested by rioters". DNA India. 12 August 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
  8. ↑ "Assam effect: Riot in the city as protesters go on rampage". DNA India. 12 August 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
  9. 1 2 "Mumbai violence: Organisers admit remarks against media led to tension". The Indian Express. 12 August 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
  10. ↑ "‘Raza Academy will not pay for damages’". Hindustan Times. 2012-08-13. Retrieved 2013-08-19.
  11. ↑ "‘Fatwa against A R Rahman and Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi for film on Prophet’". Indian Express. 2015-09-12. Retrieved 2013-08-19.
  12. ↑ "‘Muslim institution Raza Academy protests against controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik in Mumbai’". ABP Live. 2016-07-07. Retrieved 2016-07-07.
  13. ↑ "‘NIA Will Questiones Islamic Preacher Zakir Naik After Return’". Dainik Bhaskar. 2016-07-07. Retrieved 2016-07-07.
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