Did the K’taka Police Really File an FIR Over False Claims Against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s In-Laws’ Residence?

Synopsis
Karnataka Police have filed an FIR against Anis Uddin for spreading false claims about the RSS attacking Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s in-laws. This incident highlights the dangers of misinformation and its impact on communities. Discover how authorities are addressing this issue and the statements from Colonel Qureshi's family in this comprehensive report.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Police filed an FIR against Anis Uddin for spreading false claims.
- Uddin's social media post caused widespread outrage across India.
- Police confirmed the claims were unfounded after investigation.
- Colonel Qureshi's family condemned the misinformation.
- The incident highlights the dangers of social media misuse.
Belagavi, May 15 (NationPress) Karnataka Police have registered an FIR against an individual for disseminating false information on social media, alleging that the RSS attacked the home of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s in-laws in Belagavi district, as reported by officials on Thursday.
The Belagavi Cyber Crimes, Economic and Narcotic Offences (CEN) police initiated a suo motu case against a man named Anis Uddin under Section 353(2) (spreading false information, rumors, or alarming news, including via electronic means, intending to incite hatred or animosity between different communities based on religion or race) and Section 192(a) (provoking with intent to incite a riot).
The accused, operating under the social media username ‘@uddinanis867,’ falsely asserted that the RSS had assaulted the residence of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s in-laws located in Konnuru village, Gokak taluk, Belagavi district. He also posted an old image of a vandalized house, which ignited outrage across the state and beyond.
In response to the viral post, Belagavi SP Bheemashankar Guled and high-ranking police officials quickly visited the residence and verified that the claims were unfounded.
A preliminary investigation indicated that the accused made the post while residing in Canada. The police were able to eliminate the misleading content from the social media platform.
SP Guled instructed his team to file an FIR against the individual responsible. He further mentioned, “We are gathering details about Anis Uddin. If he is in India, he will be arrested immediately. If he is in Canada, we will utilize diplomatic channels and collaborate with the Central government to take action.”
Qureshi is wed to Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi, a native of Konnur village near Gokak in Belagavi district, Karnataka.
Following her rise to fame through her media appearances regarding 'Operation Sindoor,' her in-laws in Karnataka received congratulations from villagers and surrounding communities.
Her father-in-law, Ghouse Saab Babu Saab Bagewadi, expressed immense pride, stating: “I am thrilled that both my daughter-in-law and my son are serving the nation. Both are colonels, and our family is proud. Since Sofiya appeared on television, my family hasn’t allowed me to sleep. They kept calling me throughout the night to congratulate me.”
“Despite the potential for war, I am not concerned for their safety. They are serving the country. I have another son who is in the Fire and Emergency Services. I’ve already told him to volunteer first if war arises. I had children nine years after marriage, and I take pride in Sofiya Qureshi,” he added.
On the subject of Pakistan's attempts to create religious discord, Ghouse remarked, “There are no divides among us. Whatever Pakistan does will lead to their downfall. Unko Allah ki maut nahin aati (They won’t have a dignified death). They are deceitful. They attack from behind. But we Indian Muslims confront our adversaries directly—that’s why we earn respect. If our women are this strong, imagine how formidable our men are. We believe in unity. For us, there is only one identity: Hindustani. Those who foster caste divisions will find themselves lost.”
“I participate in all Hindu religious events. A Lingayat swami even contributed Rs 2 lakh to our Urs festival and organized food and sweets for everyone. There is no caste or religious divide—we are united. This is the mindset we must adopt, and Allah will reward us for it,” he concluded.