Bukit Aman criminal investigation department director Abd Jalil Hassan said the statement was made by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray and was reported by The New Indian Express portal on April 17.

He said Thackeray had also called for the removal of loudspeakers from mosques before May 3 and threatened to play the “Hanuman Chalisa” (Hindu devotional hymn) on loudspeakers of mosques that did not comply with the order.

Police were also investigating the owner of a TikTok account known as Syierabahari for “a provocative comment as it could threaten peace and racial harmony in the country,” Jalil said in a statement today.

He said the investigation was conducted under Section 505 (c) of the Penal Code for issuing a statement with the intent to incite a certain group or race and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, for improper use of network facilities or network services.

Jalil advised the public against making any speculation that could affect the investigation and to be vigilant on issues that affect religious and racial sensitivities.

“Police will not compromise and will take strict action against anyone who deliberately threatens public order and safety,” he said.