Viral video raises fears of a bid to disturb communal peace in the sensitive Uttar Pradesh town
UNNAO — A video from Maurawan town in Unnao district has triggered concern after a man dressed as ‘Hanuman’ was seen climbing the boundary wall of a local Eidgah during a Mahashivratri procession. The footage, now widely circulated on social media, has been described by residents as a deliberate attempt to disturb communal harmony.
The incident took place in the Maurawan police station area, where a traditional Mahashivratri procession was being carried out under heavy police presence. According to local sources, the procession was moving peacefully when it reached near the Maurawan Eidgah and briefly halted.
During this time, a man in a religious costume climbed onto the Eidgah wall and was seen jumping and gesturing before climbing down. He then left the spot. The act was recorded by someone present and later shared online, where it spread rapidly.
Senior officers of Unnao Police have directed the Maurawan police station in-charge to investigate the matter and take appropriate action. Police officials confirmed that the situation in the area remains calm and no immediate violence has been reported.
A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We have taken cognisance of the viral video. Instructions have been given to identify the individual and examine whether any law has been violated. Law and order in the town is under control.”
The video reportedly shows police personnel present at the spot while the man climbed down from the wall. Authorities are examining whether there was any lapse in supervision or whether the act was sudden and unexpected.
Local Muslim residents have described the act as deeply hurtful and unnecessary. One elder from the area said, “We have always respected other communities and their processions. Climbing onto our Eidgah wall during a festival feels like a message. It creates fear among ordinary people.”
Another resident stated, “If this had been done by someone from our side near a temple, there would have been immediate action. We only want equal treatment and protection of our religious places.”
Community members said that the Eidgah has never obstructed processions in the past and that such acts risk disturbing peaceful relations built over decades.
Several residents pointed out that this is not the first time religious festivals in Uttar Pradesh have seen tensions near Muslim places of worship.
In March 2025, during a Holi procession in Aligarh, a group linked to Hindu organisations allegedly gathered outside a mosque and played songs with anti-Muslim slogans referring to demolishing mosques in Kashi and Mathura. The incident led to unrest in parts of the city.
Similarly, in Sambhal in March 2025, individuals associated with a Hindu group allegedly spray-painted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ on a mosque gate and threw colours inside during Holi celebrations. This happened despite reports that nearly a dozen mosques in the district had been covered with tarpaulin sheets as a precautionary measure.
In Unnao itself, also in March 2025, a Muslim man named Mohammad Sharif was attacked while he was on his way to a mosque during Holi celebrations. According to family members, Sharif objected when colours were thrown at him. He was allegedly assaulted by a group and later died. Police initially described the death as due to cardiac arrest, but an FIR was registered following public protest.
Sharif’s brother had said at the time, “My brother was healthy. He was beaten. We want justice and a fair investigation.”
Following the latest viral video, several local citizens have called for firm action to prevent further incidents. Social activist Nadeem Khan from the region said, “Festivals should be a time of joy, not fear. If someone deliberately targets a religious site, it must be dealt with strictly. Otherwise, it sends a wrong signal.”
At the same time, some Hindu residents of Maurawan have also appealed for calm. One shopkeeper said, “Most people want peace. One person’s action should not spoil relations between communities.”
Police have increased patrols in the area as a precaution. Officials confirmed that monitoring of social media is ongoing to prevent the spread of rumours.
For now, Maurawan remains calm. Shops are open, and daily life continues as usual. Yet, the incident has become a topic of intense discussion in the town.
Local cleric Maulana Rashid said, “We are asking people to remain patient and not react emotionally. But the administration must act firmly so that such incidents are not repeated.”
The investigation is underway, and police are expected to review CCTV footage and identify the individual seen in the viral clip.
Residents across communities have expressed hope that authorities will handle the matter with fairness and transparency to maintain trust.
As one local teacher summed up, “Peace is fragile. It requires responsibility from both citizens and the administration. We cannot allow festivals to become occasions for division.”
