Lucknow: Twelve Muslim men were picked up from a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district and detained for offering namaz in an empty house.
The action over the prayer gathering came after a video purportedly showing people offering namaz inside a house was circulated on social media, PTI reported citing officials.
Police said the “precautionary action” was taken after they received information from people in Mohammadganj village that a vacant house was allegedly being used as a “temporary madrasa” for several weeks.
The 12 detained persons, who were issued challans under sections related to breach of peace, were produced before a magistrate, who granted them bail.
Police are trying to trace three others who are absconding.
“Conducting any new religious activity or gathering without permission is a violation of the law. Strict action will be taken if such activities are repeated,” SP (South) Anshika Verma said.
Verma appealed to people to maintain peace, and law and order.
Preliminary inquiry found that the vacant house belongs to one Hanif, and was being used temporarily for Friday namaz. Police said the detained group couldn’t produce any written permission or valid documents.
Some villagers had objected to the prayers being held at the empty house without permission and informed the authorities.
Congress leader Dr Shama Mohamed questioned police over its action against the 12 people.
“Uttar Pradesh Police in Bareilly have arrested 12 Muslim people for offering namaz inside their own homes after a video surfaced. On what grounds were they arrested, @bareillypolice? Which law did they violate? Have all criminals in the state been neutralised that the UP Police is now busy terrorising its own citizens for praying inside their homes?” Shama posted on social media.
