Mira Road communal clash: Man behind viral video made key accused

In a garment vendor, Abu Shaikh, allegedly sparked the riot. Police sources told mid-day that Shaikh uploaded a video containing a provocative speech on Facebook, which allegedly led to the riots. Shaikh's video became viral within two hours and garnered more than a million views.

The MBVV police have arrested around 28 people involved in the January 22 riots across Mira Bhayandar and are identifying more accused with the help of videos and CCTV camera footage. Police said that Shaikh, who is in police custody, apologised for uploading the video that allegedly led to the riots.

The police said controlling the situation in Mira Road was difficult. Pic/Hanif Patel

Mira Road resident Shaikh runs a garment shop. Two hours after he uploaded the video, police traced him to his house, arrested him and deleted the video from his Facebook account.

How video became viral

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jayant Bajbale said, "The first incident occurred on January 21 in Naya Nagar, Mira Road. It was a road rage incident that turned into a riot after a biker hit a woman crossing the road. The situation was under control after the incident happened. Late at night, around 1 am, Shaikh uploaded a video on his Facebook account. In his video, Shaikh made a provocative speech. The video rapidly spread on social media. We informed the cyber police and located Shaikh at his residence in Mira Road. We removed the video from his Facebook account."

The riot, allegedly sparked by Shaikh's video, occurred on the evening of January 22.

Senior Inspector Vilas Supe of Naya Nagar police added, "We have arrested Shaikh under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) and 505 (statements conducing public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code and various sections of IT Act."

"This video was downloaded by countless people and circulated on social media and WhatsApp groups. This made it difficult to locate these downloaders. We do not know how many people have watched the video but we are sure that the second riot occurred because of this video. We can't say that Shaikh is the mastermind of the second riot. We have arrested 28 people involved in the riots in Mira Road and Bhayandar. We are taking the help of cyber police and using CCTV camera footage to identify more accused. Those involved in the riots will be arrested," DCP Bajbale said.

What did video say?

Shaikh allegedly said in the video, "Do you think Bombay is Uttar Pradesh? You are a fool and stupid. Bombay is not your father's property. Why did you come to Naya Nagar area in Mira Road and chant ‘Jai Shree Ram'? Is Lord Ram in Naya Nagar area? Why are you instigating us? Now is the date to come to Naya Nagar area. We are not hating any community, but don't do anything that goes against any community. Now we will show our power."

A police source told mid-day, "Shaikh apologised to us and said he uploaded the video for fun. He did not intend to hurt anyone. Shaikh said that he will never do anything to hurt any community."

Police sources added, "Controlling the riots was very difficult as the Naya Nagar police station has a staff of only 60, who are working in double shifts. The mob spread into Mira Road on January 22 and attacked shops and threw stones. The attackers recorded a video, which is now helping us trace the accused. We are tracing all the people involved in these riots."