The Surat police detained a radical Islamic preacher on Saturday (4th May) for issuing death threats against Hindu activist Updesh Rana, the founder of the organization ‘Sanatan Sangh’. The accused, identified as Sohail Abubakar Teemol, is from the Kathor area of Surat city, Gujarat. He works as a factory manager and serves as an Aalim (Islamic scholar) at a local madrassa. Surat Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot confirmed the arrest during a press briefing.
In addition to Updesh Rana, Sohail allegedly targeted ex-BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and Hyderabad MLA T Raja Singh. The Surat Police found anti-Hindu material on Sohail’s mobile phone.
An investigation into the matter has been initiated, with the police questioning Sohail in connection with the case. According to the Surat Police Commissioner, Sohail and his associates had targeted several other Hindu leaders.
Reportedly, Sohail had been in communication with handlers in Nepal and Pakistan for 1.5 years, as well as individuals in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Kazakhstan, using gaming platforms for communication.
During the press conference, Anupam Singh Gehlot stated that Sohail, described as an Islamic extremist, sought retribution against those perceived to have insulted Prophet Mohammed.
