Mumbai: Defense lawyers for Islamic preacher Mufti Salman Azhari, arrested for an alleged hate speech, expressed concerns about the handling of the case by Ghatkopar Police, citing a breach of Supreme Court guidelines.

They asserted that the police failed to follow the Supreme Court's directive to conduct a medical examination before presenting Azhari in court. Ratnakar Daware, Azhari's defense lawyer, emphasized the necessity of a medical examination according to the Supreme Court's guidelines.

Daware criticized the police for presenting Azhari in court without this examination, deeming the arrest illegal. He announced plans to challenge the actions of Ghatkopar Police in the High Court the next day.

Mufti Salman Azhari was arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and brought to Ahmedabad after a Mumbai court granted a two-day remand. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police filed charges against individuals involved in a mob demanding Azhari's release outside Ghatkopar Police Station.

Charges including assault, causing hurt, endangering life, and wrongful restraint were filed against three individuals. Kaif Mujawar, Azhari's co-defense lawyer, accused Ghatkopar Police of misusing Section 353 and criticized their treatment of peaceful protesters.

He echoed the demand for a mandatory medical examination as per Supreme Court guidelines and condemned the police for not adhering to this protocol.

The situation unfolded when Gujarat police detained Azhari in Mumbai in connection with a hate speech investigation. The speech, circulated on social media, occurred at an event near B division police station in Junagadh, Gujarat.

An FIR was filed against Azhari and local organizers Mohammad Yousuf Malek and Azim Habib Odedara under sections 153B and 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code.

While Malek and Habib were detained earlier, Azhari was located in Mumbai and subsequently arrested.