Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (SHP)

Mumbai, Apr 24: A 51-year-old resident of Mira Road was arrested for allegedly refusing to accept groceries delivered by a Muslim boy. The accused has been identified as Gajanan Chaturvedi, who lives with his family in Jaya Park in Mira Road, was taken into custody by the Kashimira Police.

"Chaturvedi on Tuesday ordered groceries from a store in his locality and the grocer agreed to deliver them. The delivery boy was sent within an hour," a police officer from Kashimira police station said.

“When the delivery boy reached the house, Chaturvedi refused to accept the items as he had ascertained the delivery boy’s religion based on his appearance,” he added.

The delivery boy, Barkat Usman Patel reportedly tried to convince Chaturvedi to accept the delivery of the products. However, Chaturvedi was adamant not to accept the groceries. Patel then approached the Kashimira police station with the complaint.

“We recorded the complainant’s statement and immediately registered an FIR against Chaturvedi. He was arrested the same day and produced in court. He has been remanded in judicial custody,” police inspector Sanjay Hajare said.

Chaturvedi has been charged with committing deliberate and malicious acts with the intent to outrage religious sentiments under the Indian Penal Code.