Mumbai: Islamic preacher Mufti Salman Azhari was arrested in Mumbai on Sunday by Gujarat Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in a joint operation with Mumbai cops. Hundreds of his supporters gathered outside the Ghatkopar police station, where he was detained, leading to lathi charge by the police due to traffic disruptions. 

Mumbai Police registered a case against the mob outside Ghatkopar Police Station after Mufti Salman Azhari was brought in. From inside the police station, Mufti Salman addressed his supporters, urging them not to protest, asserting his innocence and cooperation with the ongoing investigation.

Mufti Salman and two others, Mohammad Yousuf Malek and Azim Habib Odedara, were arrested under Sections 153B and 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code, following an inflammatory speech made by Mufti Salman in Gujarat's Junagadh, which circulated online. The Gujarat Police had already arrested the local organizers, Mohammad Yousuf Malek and Azim Habib Odedara, before Mufti Salman's detention. The Gujarat Police sought assistance from the Maharashtra Police for Mufti's arrest.

Mufti's lawyer revealed that around 35 to 40 police personnel arrived at his house in civilian clothes on Sunday morning, refusing to disclose the purpose of their visit. After coordination, the police informed them of a case lodged under 153 B in Gujarat. Mufti Salman Azhari is being taken back to Junagadh on a two-day transit remand by the Gujarat Police.