Self-proclaimed Hindu Mahasabha leader Kamlesh Tiwari, who recently made a controversial comment about the Prophet, has become a target of jihadists who have called for his death.

Tiwari had angered the Muslim community after he allegedly said that Prophet Muhammad was the first homosexual, prompting thousands of Muslims to protest against the statement.

Last week, about one lakh Muslims had gathered at Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh and had demanded that Kamlesh Tiwari be punished with the death penalty for insulting the Prophet.

Now, jihadists have said on social media that Tiwari and his supporters in India have become 'legitimate targets', according to SITE Intelligence agency, an online watchdog for jihadist activities.

Tiwari, who claims to be the president of Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, had been arrested following his communal statement earlier this month. The Hindu outfit has said he was not a member of their group.

Tiwari had made the remark on the Prophet in reaction to a statement by Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan, who had called RSS members homosexuals.

Tiwari had been arrested earlier this year as well, after he called for the construction of a temple in honour of Nathuram Godse, the man who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi.