BAREILLY — Tension surfaced in a village in Bareilly district after a group of Muslims offered collective namaz inside an empty private house, following which the police detained 12 people based on a complaint by members of the local Hindu community.
The incident occurred in Mohammadganj village under the Bishratganj police station limits. According to local residents, the house belongs to a man named Hanif and had been lying vacant. Members of the Muslim community had reportedly been using the premises to offer group prayers.
After objections were raised by some local residents, the police reached the spot and asked those present to produce written permission for offering collective namaz at the location. When no such document was produced, 12 people were taken into custody. Three others reportedly left the premises before police action.
Station House Officer Anis Ahmed said the police acted on a complaint. “We asked for permission papers for holding collective prayers. Since none were shown, action was taken as per rules,” he said.
The police later issued challans to the detained men. They were produced before a magistrate and granted bail on the same day.
Senior Superintendent of Police Anshika Verma said the action was taken to “maintain law and order.” “Starting any new practice or gathering without prior permission is not allowed. Police will act similarly in such cases in the future,” she said.
Members of the Muslim community, however, termed the police response unfair and excessive. A local resident said, “This was namaz inside a private house, not on a road or in a public place. No one was disturbed. Detaining people for prayer is painful and unnecessary.”
Videos and photographs of the prayers circulated on social media, adding to tensions in the area. Muslim residents questioned why worship inside private property led to objections and police action, and urged authorities to handle religious matters with greater sensitivity.
Police have appealed to members of all communities to maintain peace and ensure that rules are followed before organising any gathering.
