Controversial Kolkata Imam Barkati booked for not removing red beacon atop vehicle

Controversial Kolkata cleric Maulana Nurur Rehman Barkati, the Shahi Imam of Tipu Sultan mosque, has been booked for not removing the red beacon atop his official vehicle.

ANI on Friday claimed that a case has been registered against the outspoken cleric in Topsia police station following a complaint by a BJP leader.

Threatening to violate the Centre's order banning red beacon, Barkati said that he will continue to use the red beacon as permission for it was given by the erstwhile British government.

"I am a Shahi Imam and hence I won't give up red beacon despite court's order. All Shahi Imams have been using 'lal batti' and nobody has ever objected to it," Imam Barkati said.

According to the Modi government's order, after May 1, no one will be able to put red light atop his/her vehicle. Blue light will be used only for emergency vehicles in the country...Neither the states nor the Centre will have power to give any special permission (for use of beacon lights).