Tension grips Chunar town as surveillance cameras show suspicious movement near the mosque premises
MIRZAPUR — Panic spread through Chunar town in Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur district after unidentified miscreants set fire to the historic Jama Masjid in the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. The blaze damaged the main doors, carpets, electrical fixtures and a small carpet-making unit inside the premises, prompting a large police response and an investigation into possible foul play.
The mosque’s Imam, Zahid Qadri, was asleep in a nearby room when the fire began at around 2:40 am. According to local sources, Sahil, a resident of the Peerwaji Shaheed locality, had reached the mosque while searching for his mentally challenged brother. He noticed smoke and flames rising from inside the building.
Sahil immediately knocked on the door and woke the imam. He then alerted nearby residents, who rushed in to help. Working together, they managed to bring the fire under control before it could spread further.
Police were informed through the emergency helpline 112 soon afterwards.
Chunar Police Inspector Vijay Shankar Singh visited the scene early in the morning with a police team and began a forensic and technical examination. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rajesh Kumar Verma also reached the site to review the situation.
Speaking to the media, SDM Verma said, “Initial findings suggest that this may not be an accident. CCTV footage shows suspicious individuals near the mosque. The accused are being identified, and strict action will be taken.”
Police officials confirmed that multiple CCTV cameras installed around the mosque captured movements of unknown persons shortly before the fire broke out.
As news spread, a large crowd from both Muslim and Hindu communities gathered outside the mosque. While a few people speculated about a short circuit, the majority of residents believed the fire was deliberately set to disturb communal harmony.
Municipal Council President Mansoor Ahmed appealed for calm and unity, saying, “Someone has tried to damage Chunar’s Ganga-Jamuni culture. Our city has always lived in harmony. I request everyone not to fall for any rumours or provocations.”
He added that strong cooperation with the administration would ensure that the culprits are caught quickly.
Imam Zahid Qadri expressed relief that the fire did not cause further destruction, but urged the authorities to take swift action. “This is a place of worship. Whoever tried to harm it must face the law. We trust the administration will act fairly,” he said.
Police have increased patrolling around the mosque and neighbouring localities to prevent any escalation. Officials say arrests are likely soon after the identification process is completed.
The incident has brought focus once again on the need to protect religious places and maintain communal harmony in sensitive regions.
