According to officials, the case has been filed at the Manpur police station in Indore district. Superintendent of Police (Rural) Hitika Vasal confirmed to PTI that the FIR was indeed registered.
Madhya Pradesh’s Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, challenging a recent decision of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The High Court had ordered the registration of an FIR against Shah for allegedly making objectionable remarks against Indian Army officer Colonel Sofia Qureshi. Shah has requested the Supreme Court to hear his petition urgently.
On Wednesday, the Indore police registered an FIR against Minister Vijay Shah as per the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s directions.
According to officials, the case has been filed at the Manpur police station in Indore district. Superintendent of Police (Rural) Hitika Vasal confirmed to PTI that the FIR was indeed registered.
The FIR includes serious charges under:
- Section 152: Acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India,
- Section 196(1)(B): Acts that disturb harmony between different communities and can breach public peace,
- Section 197(1)(C): Making comments against a community member that could disturb social harmony.
Shah had made his controversial statement during a public event held in a rural area of Indore on Monday. He did not mention Colonel Qureshi’s name directly during the speech. However, the remarks sparked major outrage.
After the High Court’s decision, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Instructions were given to take action against Tribal Welfare Minister Shah following the orders of the HC.”
Following the High Court’s order and FIR registration, there has been a growing demand for Vijay Shah’s immediate removal from the state cabinet. Political leaders and members of civil society have called for strict action against him.
In response to the controversy, Minister Shah posted a video on social media apologising for his comments.
He said, “The sentiments of every society have been hurt by my recent statement. For that, I am not only ashamed, sad from the heart, but also apologise.”
In the same video, Shah said he deeply respects Colonel Qureshi and the armed forces. He added, “The sister of the country” – referring to Colonel Qureshi – has served above caste and community lines in the interest of national duty.
Shah further said, “If anyone is hurt by my words, I am ready to apologise 10 times.” He even went on to say, “I respect Colonel Qureshi more than my sister.”
Colonel Sofia Qureshi played a key role in the Indian Armed Forces’ recent humanitarian mission Operation Sindoor. She represented the army at multiple press conferences, updating the public on the operation. She was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh during these briefings.
Vijay Shah, maintaining that he has already apologised sincerely, approached the Supreme Court seeking relief from the High Court’s decision. His legal team has demanded that the top court consider his plea at the earliest.
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