By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Kozhikode: In yet another incident of religious intolerance, reported from Thaliparamba of Kannur district in Kerala, a photographer’s studio was set ablaze on Saturday.
The studio of Rafeeque, a native of Thaliparamba, was allgedly attacked following his questioning certain Islamic traditional practices on a WhatsApp group, created to discuss issues related to Islam.
(Photo Credit: http://keralaonlinenews.com/)
The attack, in which furniture and other devices including camera were set ablaze, took place on Saturday night. Equipments at an estimated cost of Rs. 7 lakh were destroyed.
According to the local media reports, the studio was attacked following an alleged derogatory campaign, initiated against him through the social media.
Talking to local media, Rafeeque alleged that his opinion on the Whatsapp group ‘What is Islam’ led to the incident. “The group included only my friends and acquaintances. Threats and derogatory messages are still circulating against me on social media. The crime I committed was that I criticized certain views including wearing purdah,” he told media.
Meanwhile, the issue has grabbed the attention of social media in the state. Several persons including activists have come forward supporting Rafeeque.