Javed Akhtar declares he is an Atheist, but sad over recent intolerance over religion in India

Ever since BJP took charge of the office in India, the secular face of the world’s largest democracy is drastically changing.

Be it the recent controversial citizenship amendment bill or the recent Delhi riots, the whole world saw how certain religious minorities are being targeted, mainly Muslims and Christians as well.

In course of recent development, well known Indian writer Javed Akhtar took to social media yet again to express his concerns over the changing face of India.

Though he carries a Muslim name, in his recent Twitter post, Javed Akhtar has declared himself an Atheist.

In his post, he wrote, “Although I am an Atheist I hang my head in shame as an Indian that near Banglore a statue of Jesus was removed with a crane by the police following the orders of Karnataka Govt.”.

Earlier this week, as being reported a case has been filed against Javed Akhtar at Bihar court over his remarks on the FIRs being registered against expelled AAP councilor Tahir Hussain in the wake of Delhi riots.

On the basis of a newspaper report, a complainant has alleged that Javed Akhtar’s remarks were seditious and promoted religious hatred. The hearing is likely to be held on 24 March.

The media report was based on Akhtar’s 27th February tweet, that said, “So many killed, so many injured, so many houses burned, so many shops looted so many people turned destitute but police has sealed only one house and looking for his owner. Incidentally, his name is Tahir. Hats off to the consistency of the Delhi police.”

Javed Akhtar who asserted that he is a non-believer and a rationalist in another tweet had clarified that he was not asking “why Tahir but why ONLY Tahir and not even an FIR against those who have openly threatened violence in the presence of the police”.