FIR After HC Order on Qureshi Remark

Police registered an FIR on Wednesday night against Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for allegedly calling Colonel Sofiya Qureshi a “sister of terrorists.” The Madhya Pradesh High Court had earlier strongly criticized the minister’s remarks as “cancerous and dangerous” and directed the authorities to file a complaint. Following the court’s directive, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced on social media that he had instructed officials to take immediate action against Shah.

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Court: Minister’s Remarks on Qureshi Threaten Unity

Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Anuradha Shukla, who presided over the case, stated that the minister’s comments could provoke separatist sentiments and threaten India’s unity and integrity. While speaking at a public event in Mahu, Shah had suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had avenged attacks by using the sister of a terrorist—remarks widely interpreted as a reference to Colonel Qureshi, who briefed the media during Operation Sindoor.

The bench emphasized that the Indian armed forces represent integrity and sacrifice and stated that politicians should never target them with such innuendos. The court recognized Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh as the trusted representatives of the military during the operation.

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Justice Sreedharan: Shah’s Remark Unpardonable, Targets Qureshi

Justice Sreedharan described Shah’s comment as “unpardonable” and affirmed that it implicitly targeted Colonel Qureshi. He argued that no one else fit the description the minister gave, thereby confirming that Shah had aimed his remark at a high-ranking Muslim officer.

The court warned that Shah’s statement could incite religious disharmony. It criticized the minister for labeling Colonel Qureshi based on her faith, despite her loyalty and service to the nation. The judges concluded that his comment could foster hatred between communities and damage the reputation of a dedicated military officer solely because of her religion.