A heated confrontation in a Noida TV studio turned violent on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, when Samajwadi Party (SP) workers allegedly slapped Maulana Sajid Rashidi, president of the All India Imam Association, over derogatory remarks he made about SP MP Dimple Yadav. The incident, captured in a viral video, has intensified political tensions and drawn widespread condemnation for its resort to violence, while highlighting ongoing debates about free speech and respect for women in public life.
The altercation occurred during a break in a news channel debate at a studio in Noida’s Sector 126. Rashidi, known for controversial statements, had sparked outrage by commenting on Dimple Yadav’s attire during her July 26 visit to a mosque in Delhi with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and other party leaders. During a prior televised debate, Rashidi allegedly said, “Look at her (Dimple Yadav’s) back. It is naked,” criticizing her for not covering her head, in contrast to SP MP Iqra Hasan. The remarks, deemed misogynistic and inflammatory, led to an FIR against Rashidi on July 27 at Lucknow’s Vibhuti Khand police station, filed by SP supporter Pravesh Yadav under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for inciting communal disharmony and insulting women’s dignity.
In the viral video, two SP workers, identified as Kuldeep Bhati and Mohit Nagar, are seen approaching Rashidi and slapping him repeatedly before studio security intervened. Bhati, claiming to be the state secretary of SP’s Yuvjan Sabha, posted the video on X, stating, “Maulana Rashidi has been ‘treated’ for his derogatory remarks. We will deal similarly with anyone who insults India’s women.” The third accused, Shyam Singh, was also named in Rashidi’s complaint filed at Sector 126 police station. No FIR has been registered yet, but Noida police are investigating, with DCP Manish Kumar Mishra confirming efforts to verify the video and statements.
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Rashidi, undeterred, defended his remarks, claiming they were rooted in Islamic principles about mosque conduct. “I spoke based on faith. Dimple Yadav’s posture was inappropriate compared to Iqra Hasan’s,” he told media, alleging the attack was planned and that he had received threats. He also criticized SP MP Mohibbullah Nadvi, present at the mosque, for not objecting to Yadav’s attire.
The incident has fueled a political firestorm. NDA MPs protested Rashidi’s remarks on July 28 outside Parliament, demanding SP chief Akhilesh Yadav’s response. BJP leader Swaraj called SP’s silence “shameful,” while Congress’s Renuka Chowdhury condemned Rashidi’s mindset. SP MP Iqra Hasan also denounced the cleric, calling for a social boycott. Dimple Yadav, responding on July 28, welcomed the FIR but criticized the BJP, saying, “They should’ve protested Manipur’s violence against women or their own leaders’ remarks during Operation Sindoor.”
The assault has divided opinions online. Some X users condemned the violence, arguing it undermines democratic discourse, while others supported the SP workers, citing Rashidi’s provocative comments. The incident follows a pattern of vigilante actions in Uttar Pradesh, with a similar case in Thane where an MNS leader slapped a gaming zone employee over truancy concerns. Analysts warn that such incidents risk escalating communal and political tensions, especially with Uttar Pradesh’s 2027 assembly elections looming. The SP, aiming to consolidate its Muslim and OBC voter base, faces scrutiny over its workers’ actions, while Rashidi’s history of controversial remarks against Hindu deities and leaders adds fuel to the debate.
As investigations continue, the Noida incident underscores the volatile intersection of politics, religion, and media in India, raising questions about accountability and the limits of free expression.
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