Contractor Manoj Saxena has been taken into custody, police probing the whole issue
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – A Muslim marriage ceremony was disrupted by Hindutva groups in Modinagar in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad District, sparking tensions and raising concerns about communal harmony. The incident occurred at a Dharamshala (a community hall often associated with Hindus), where the ceremony was being held on Monday evening.
The marriage ceremony was taking place at the venue that was rented in advance. The Muslim family reportedly chose the venue due to its affordability and accessibility, common considerations in such events.
Midway through the ceremony, members of local Hindutva groups arrived at the Dharamshala and began protesting. They alleged that the use of the facility for a Muslim function was an affront to the venue’s cultural and religious identity. The protesters demanded the event be halted immediately and the place vacated.
The situation escalated as slogans were raised, and threats were allegedly made. Videos circulating on social media showed tense exchanges between the protesters and the hosts. Police were called to prevent violence and ensure safety.
According to reports, Ghaziabad police escorted the wedding party to a safer location to continue their ceremony. While no injuries were reported, the disruption caused significant distress to the family and guests.
Initial reports suggest that the protesters claimed the Dharamshala was a “Hindu religious space” and that allowing Muslims to use it was unacceptable. However, local authorities clarified that the venue is managed as a public community space available for rent to people of all backgrounds.
Superintendent of Police Modinagar Gyan Prakash Rai said Manoj Saxena, the contractor who rented out the Dharmshala to the Muslim family, has been taken into custody. He is charged with the relevant Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections. The SP said police authorities are conducting a detailed probe into the whole episode.
Neeraj Sharma of the Hindu Yuva Vahini deplored the renting out of the Dharamshala portion to the Muslim family and said religious structures should not be allowed to be used for monetary benefits.