Kochi: 39 members of Islamic outfit arrested for prompting religious animosity

The police said the accused were placed under arrest after scrutinising the contents of the pamphlets seized from their possession The accused, members of  Wisdom Global Islamic Mission, distributed the pamphlets at eight places in and around Vadakkekara The police are investigating whether the accused have any links with any terror outfits based on foreign soil

At least 39 members of an Islamic outfit were arrested at Vadakkekara near Kochi on Sunday, on charges of attempting to trigger a religious animosity in the society. 

The police said the accused were placed under arrest after scrutinising the contents of the pamphlets, bearing the name of an outfit called the Wisdom Global Islamic Mission, seized from their possession. 

The accused were charged under section 153A of the IPC (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language etc. And doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), Ernakulam rural superintendent of police (SP) AV George told PTI. 

The accused had allegedly distributed the pamphlets at eight places in and around Vadakkekara, near North Paravur in the district, after splitting themselves into eight groups. The pamphlets allegedly contained objectionable contents. 

Through the pamphlets, the accused had allegedly asked the non-Muslims to denounce their respective religions and embrace Islam, the SP said, adding that their activities were "extremist" in nature. 

The police are investigating whether the accused have any links with any terror outfits based on foreign soil