In a first, Bihar’s prominent Islamic institution Imarat-e-Shariah, along with six other Muslim organisations, boycotted Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s state-hosted Iftaar over his government’s backing of the controversial Waqf Bill. The symbolic move, announced ahead of the Sunday event, reflects a growing unease within sections of the Muslim community over the bill.

Established in 1921 by Maulana Abul Mohasin Mohammed Sajjad, the Imarat-e-Shariah holds significant influence in the religious and social spheres of the Muslim community in Bihar. Its decision to publicly distance itself from the Iftaar is being seen as a rare and notable expression of dissent.

Despite the boycott call, some Muslim leaders — including a few associated with the Imarat — chose to attend the Iftaar. The ruling Janata Dal (United) downplayed the protest. “We are happy that several Muslim leaders attended our Iftaar. The Imarat-e-Shariah’s announcement is uncalled for,” said JD(U) chief spokesperson and MLC Neeraj Kumar.

The issue also drew responses from other political quarters. Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders refrained from escalating the controversy, urging that religious observances like Iftaar should not be politicised. “Politics and festivities should not be mixed,” said Congress Legislature Party leader Shakil Ahmad Khan, while party spokesperson Prem Chandra Mishra noted that attendance at such events is a personal choice.

Former MP and leader of the All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz, Ali Anwar Ansari, echoed a similar sentiment, distancing the event from political motives and urging individuals not to base their decision solely on the boycott call.

However, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) adopted a more confrontational stance. AIMIM’s Bihar spokesperson Adil Hasan Azad criticised the NDA government for ignoring inputs from opposition and Muslim groups on the Waqf Bill. He called on all opposition parties to abstain from official Iftaar events in protest.

The controversy comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Waqf Bill, which several minority bodies believe centralises excessive control over religious endowments and weakens community representation.

Former India cricketer and IPL 2025 commentator Harbhajan Singh has come under fire for his controversial remark on Rajastha Royals pacer Jofra Archer during the SRH vs RR clash on Sunday. While on-air, Harbhajan likened English pacer Jofra Archer’s expensive bowling spell to the fast-running meter of a “kaali taxi” (black taxi) in London.

The comment, which quickly spread across social media, drew criticism from fans and viewers for Harbhajan’s on-air racially intensive remarks. Fans also demanded apology from the former team India leg spinner. The remark was made in Hindi: “London me kaali taxi ka meter tez bhaagta hai, aur yaha pe Archer sahab ka meter bhi tez bhaaga hai”, loosely comparing Archer’s high economy rate to that of a fast-charging taxi meter.

Despite being a victim of racial discrimination during his playing career, Harbhajan has yet to respond to the backlash or issue an apology for the comment.

The controversy overshadowed what was otherwise a high-scoring encounter. Sunrisers Hyderabad put up a giant total of 286-run on board, marking the second-highest score of IPL history. Stellar performances from Ishan Kishan and Travis Head powered the team to the record total of 286 which is 1 run short to the team’s highest total. Rajasthan Royals, while attempting to chase the mammoth target, managed 242 runs and fell short despite their efforts.

In a high SRH vs RR clash on Sunday, English pacer Jofra Archer had a forgettable outing, conceding 76 runs in his four overs without taking any wickets. Apart from Jofra, Sandeep Sharma and Maheesh Theekshana have also conceded more than 50 runs in his 4-over spell.  

Zafar Ali, the president of the Shahi Jama Masjid committee, was arrested on Sunday in connection with the violence that erupted in November last year over a court-ordered survey of the mosque, police officials confirmed. The arrest comes amid allegations that it was timed to prevent Ali from testifying before a judicial commission investigating the incident.

The violence, which occurred on November 24, left four people dead and several injured. The Mughal-era mosque has been at the center of a contentious dispute following a petition claiming it was built on the site of an ancient Hindu temple.

Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar Bishnoi stated that Zafar Ali was arrested in connection with the November 24 violence case but did not provide further details. Earlier in the day, Sambhal Kotwali in-charge Anuj Kumar Tomar confirmed that Ali had been taken into custody by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to record his statement.

However, Ali’s elder brother, Tahir Ali, alleged that the arrest was a deliberate attempt to prevent Zafar from testifying before a three-member judicial commission appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe the violence. “Zafar was supposed to testify before the commission tomorrow, and that is why they are deliberately sending him to jail,” Tahir Ali told reporters.

Tahir Ali claimed that Zafar had already publicly stated his version of events during a press conference and would not retract his statements. “He had clearly said that the police fired shots, and those who died were killed by police bullets,” Tahir said.

Before being taken into custody, Zafar Ali reportedly told his brother, “No problem, I am ready to go to jail. I will not back down from the truth.”

Tahir Ali also dismissed allegations of external funding in the case, asserting, “Not a single penny has been received. We will fight this case in court and emerge victorious.” He accused the Sambhal administration of deliberately inciting public unrest, claiming that local authorities were provoking discord instead of working to restore peace.

Tahir Ali revealed that Zafar Ali, along with Masood Farooqui and Qasim Advocate, was scheduled to submit testimony before the judicial commission on Monday. The arrest has raised questions about the timing and motives behind the detention, with critics alleging it was aimed at silencing key witnesses.

The Shahi Jama Masjid has been embroiled in controversy since a petition alleged it was constructed on the site of an ancient Hindu temple. The court-ordered survey of the mosque sparked protests and clashes, leading to the November violence. The judicial commission was formed to investigate the incident and determine the causes and culpability.