Authorities urge calm and confirm the video is months old, warning against communal tensions
NEW DELHI/BADAUN — A video showing a 60-year-old Muslim man offering prayers inside the Brahmadev Devasthan temple in Papad village has caused significant unrest in Uttar Pradesh’s Badaun district. The footage, which surfaced recently on social media, has sparked anger among some Hindu groups, who claim the act hurt their religious sentiments and demanded strict action against the accused.
The police have since arrested sexagenarian Ali Mohammad and are conducting further investigations.
The incident has once again highlighted the tense atmosphere around religious coexistence in the region, raising important questions about communal harmony and freedom of worship in the country.
Krishna Kumar Tiwari, the Chief Officer of Dataganj police station, told reporters that the video is about two to three months old and was only recently circulated widely on social media. “This is an old video which has now been shared again, causing unnecessary tension,” said Tiwari.
He confirmed that legal procedures have been initiated against Ali Mohammad and that he is currently being questioned in police custody.
Police have increased deployment in the area to avoid any outbreak of communal violence and have appealed to residents to stay calm and not fall prey to rumours. “We want to maintain peace and order in the area and urge everyone to avoid any acts that may disturb communal harmony,” Tiwari added.
The temple administration and many local Hindu residents have condemned the act, describing it as a deliberate provocation. However, voices from the Muslim community have raised concerns over the criminalisation of a peaceful prayer act.
A local Muslim resident, Abdul Rahman, expressed his distress over the incident. “Ali Mohammad was simply offering his prayers, a fundamental right under our constitution. The anger and outrage are being used to target Muslims unfairly. We urge everyone to respect each other’s faiths,” he said.
Another community member, Ayesha Khan, said, “This incident is being blown out of proportion. It is a sad reminder of how even simple acts of worship by Muslims are seen as a threat in some places. We need to protect the rights of minorities to practise their religion without fear.”
This event follows a worrying trend where Muslim communities face growing suspicion and hostility in certain parts of India. Experts on communal affairs warn that such incidents can be exploited by groups seeking to deepen divides between communities.
Human rights activist Farhan Ali noted, “When a man prays, it is a peaceful and private act. Arresting someone for this is a misuse of the law aimed at intimidating minorities. This case must be handled carefully so that justice is served, and religious freedom protected.”
He urged local leaders to promote dialogue and tolerance rather than letting religious sentiments be inflamed for political or communal gains.
Following the video’s viral spread, police have been vigilant in the Badaun district to prevent any possible violence. The administration has reassured the public that they are monitoring the situation closely.
A senior official from the district administration stated, “We understand the sensitivity of such matters and have taken necessary steps to ensure law and order. We ask all communities to come forward with peace and mutual respect.”
Social media platforms have frequently been a battleground for communal conflicts in India. Videos and posts, sometimes old or manipulated, often resurface and cause tensions far beyond the original context.
In this case, although the video is several months old, its recent spread highlights the ease with which misinformation or selective sharing can inflame passions. Experts call for responsible sharing and for users to verify facts before reacting.
Religious freedom is a cornerstone of India’s constitution, which guarantees the right of all citizens to practise their faith without interference. Incidents like this, which risk turning a simple act of prayer into a cause for arrest and unrest, point to the urgent need for better understanding and respect between communities.
Local peace activist Rajesh Verma said, “If a person wants to pray, regardless of religion, it should be respected. Such acts should not be politicised or used to stir hatred. We need to protect the pluralistic fabric of our society.”
The arrest of Ali Mohammad for offering Namaaz inside a temple premises has stirred a controversy that goes beyond one village in Badaun. It reflects larger issues of religious intolerance faced by Indian Muslims and the challenges of safeguarding constitutional freedoms.
As police continue their investigation, the hope remains that justice will be fair and that peace will prevail. The incident is a reminder that respect for religious diversity is vital for India’s unity and social harmony.
Authorities, community leaders, and citizens alike must work together to prevent such incidents from dividing people further. Upholding the right to worship in peace and condemning any acts of provocation must be a shared responsibility.
