Overview

• A Special Investigation Team (SIT) began its probe on May 23 into Vijay Shah’s remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, with its first report due to the Supreme Court by May 28.
• Shah described his comments as a 'linguistic mistake' in a new video apology, his third since the controversy erupted, but criticism persists over the sincerity of his remorse.
• The Supreme Court had earlier rejected Shah’s initial apology, labeling his remarks 'crass,' and directed the SIT to investigate under anti-hate speech provisions of Indian law.
• Opposition parties, including Congress, have intensified demands for Shah’s resignation, staging protests and putting up 'missing' posters offering a reward for information on his whereabouts.
• The controversy stems from Shah’s May 11 speech referencing Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam attack, which critics say communalized Colonel Qureshi’s role in the military operation.