FIR Ordered Against BJP Minister Vijay Shah Over Remarks Targeting Operation Sindoor Hero Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

The Karnataka state government has ordered the registration of an FIR against Madhya Pradesh Minister and BJP leader Vijay Shah over his controversial comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who led a key role in Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.

Government Responds to Objectionable Remarks

Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the decision on Thursday, stating the FIR would be registered in Belagavi, where Colonel Qureshi’s in-laws reside.

“Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is the daughter-in-law of Belagavi. Her husband hails from Belagavi. I have instructed the Belagavi SP to register an FIR and inform the Central government about taking appropriate action against the minister who made the statement,” he said.

He further criticised Shah’s statements, saying they were “not just an insult to her – it is an insult to our state and the entire country.” He emphasized that such attitudes are unjustifiable and confirmed the government has directed legal action.

Vijay Shah’s Communal Remark and Backlash

During a speech in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, Shah referred to Operation Sindoor and stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent a “sister from the same community” as those in Pakistan to retaliate after a terror attack in Kashmir. The remark drew widespread criticism for its communal tone.

The Supreme Court also expressed concern over Shah’s comments, further increasing scrutiny on the BJP leader.

Social Media Misinformation Sparks Tension in Belagavi

On Wednesday, security was heightened in Konnuru village, Belagavi, where Colonel Qureshi’s in-laws reside, after a misleading social media post alleged that their home had been attacked by right-wing groups.

Belagavi SP Bhimashankar Guled confirmed the post was false. The user, identified as Anis Hudeen and reportedly based in Canada, deleted the content after intervention by the district’s social media monitoring team.

“We will deal with him strictly if he is from our nation,” Guled warned, condemning the spread of misinformation.

Security was increased around the house of Colonel Qureshi’s father-in-law, Gous Bagewadi, due to the high number of visitors after her role in the operation became public. “No one attacked our house, the post on social media is totally false,” Bagewadi clarified.

Supreme Court Criticises Shah’s Conduct

Shah approached the Supreme Court for relief from the FIR ordered by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. However, the apex court, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, reprimanded the minister for his comments.

“What kind of remarks are you making? A person holding a constitutional position is expected to maintain a certain level of decorum. When the country is going through such a serious situation, every word must be spoken with responsibility,” said the CJI. The court has scheduled the next hearing for May 16.

High Court Labels Comments “Language of the Gutters”

The Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognisance of Shah’s remarks.

A bench comprising Justice Atul Shridharan and Justice Anuradha Shukla observed: “The armed forces, perhaps the last institution existing in this country… has been targeted by Mr Vijay Shah who has used the language of the gutters against Col Sofia Quraishi.”

The court acknowledged Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh as the public faces of Operation Sindoor, representing the armed forces during media briefings on the operation’s progress.

Legal Proceedings and FIR Details

Late Wednesday night, an FIR was filed at Manpur police station of Mhow after the High Court’s intervention. Shah had tried to halt the FIR by approaching the Supreme Court and also publicly issued an apology.

Madhya Pradesh High Court advocate Pratyush Mishra explained that Shah was booked under sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

“Section 152 is imposed for endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country,” he said. The case will be tried at the MP-MLA court in Indore following the investigation.

Justice Atul Shridharan noted during the High Court hearing that this FIR appeared weak and suggested incorporating the bench’s prior direction into the official FIR. The final order is awaited for further analysis.

Vijay Shah Issues Apology Amid Outrage

Facing immense criticism, Shah expressed remorse in a statement: “I deeply regret my words and feel profound sorrow. My intention was to highlight the contributions of the army and Sister Sofia in a respectful manner, but in a moment of emotional distress, I misspoke. I am truly ashamed and offer my heartfelt apology.”

Shah’s controversial comment was originally made on May 12 during a Halma programme in Manpur, Indore district, triggering the nationwide outrage and subsequent legal developments.