Police register FIR against three persons after a video showing prayers inside temple premises sparks tension
BULANDSHAHR — A video showing a Muslim mason offering namaz inside the premises of a Hanuman temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district has triggered controversy, leading to police action against three individuals and the arrest of one of them.
The incident took place in Olina village under the Aurangabad police station area. According to police, an FIR has been registered against three people in connection with the matter, while action has also been taken against two individuals under provisions related to breach of peace.
Officials said the situation in the village is currently peaceful and under control.
According to local accounts, construction work was underway at the house of a resident identified as Rajkumar. Several masons and labourers from the neighbouring village of Jahra had been engaged in the project.
Police said the incident occurred during a break when some workers had left to have their lunch while a mason, identified as Asar Mohammad, remained near the construction site.
Residents claimed that light rain was falling at the time. It has been alleged that Asar Mohammad subsequently offered namaz in the nearby Hanuman temple complex. Reports circulating locally also claim that the property owner, Rajkumar, had suggested that he use the covered area during the rain. These claims are part of the ongoing investigation and have not been independently verified by authorities.
Another worker, identified as Nazar Mohammad, was reportedly present at the location.
A video of the incident was recorded by an individual present nearby and later circulated on social media. The footage quickly attracted attention online and led to strong reactions among some locals.
Following reports of the viral video, Aurangabad police reached the village and launched an inquiry into the matter.
Station House Officer (SHO) Mohammad Aslam arrived at the scene along with police personnel and supervised the initial investigation.
Police subsequently took Asar Mohammad into custody and later sent him to jail as part of the legal proceedings.
Authorities have registered a case against Asar Mohammad, Nazar Mohammad and Rajkumar under relevant sections of law. Police have not publicly disclosed all details of the charges at this stage.
Speaking about the case, SHO Aslam said, “The incident took place on May 31. During the inquiry, it was found that workers engaged in construction work had offered namaz at the location. Following the incident, some members of another community expressed their objections. Police have taken cognisance of the matter, registered an FIR and initiated legal action.”
Police officials said they are continuing their investigation and examining all aspects of the case, including the circumstances under which the prayer took place and the subsequent circulation of the video.
The incident has drawn attention on social media and in the local area, where discussions have focused on both the legal aspects of the case and the communal sensitivities involved.
Officials have appealed to residents not to spread rumours and to rely only on verified information released by the administration. Police said additional personnel were deployed in the area as a precautionary measure, but no further disturbances have been reported.
Authorities maintained that law and order remain normal in the village and that appropriate legal procedures are being followed as the investigation continues.
