A controversial incident has surfaced from Bareilly district in Uttar Pradesh, where a vacant house was allegedly being used as a makeshift madrasa for offering congregational prayers in Mohammadganj village under the Bisharatganj police station area.
According to police, congregational namaz had been offered at the vacant house for several Fridays. Some villagers objected to the activity and later informed the police. Acting on the information, Bisharatganj police reached the spot and found prayers being offered inside the house, triggering panic in the area.
During the police action, 12 people were detained from the spot, while three others managed to flee. Police said the prayers were being held at a vacant house owned by one Hanif. Acting Station House Officer Anees Ahmed asked those present to produce written permission for holding congregational prayers at the location, but no valid document was submitted.
In the absence of permission, police booked the 12 individuals under preventive sections for breach of peace. They were produced before a magistrate on Saturday and were later granted bail. Police said efforts are underway to trace the three absconding accused.
Meanwhile, a video showing people offering collective prayers inside the vacant house has surfaced on social media and has been taken on record as part of the investigation.
SP (South) Anshika Verma said police took preventive action based on information received and clarified that starting any new religious activity or tradition at a place without permission is illegal. She warned that strict action will be taken in similar cases in the future and appealed to the public to maintain law and order and follow due process.
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