Bareilly: At least 12 people were detained in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly for offering namaz at an empty house. These people were held for indulging in the religious practice without permission, officials informed.
According to PTI, a video had also surfaced on social media showing some people offering namaz inside an empty house in Bareilly.
Speaking on the matter, SP South Anshika Verma said that the police took precautionary action after they got the information that some people in Bareilly’s Mohammadganj village were seen offering prayers in an empty house that was being used as a temporary madrasa in the past few weeks.
She added that legal action was initiated under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). “Action was taken against 12 individuals present at the spot under Sections 170, 126, and 135 of the BNS. Action under Sections 126 and 135 of the BNS was also initiated against three individuals who fled from the spot,” SP Verma said.
“Conducting any new religious activity or gathering without permission is a violation of the law. Strict action will be taken if such activities are repeated,” she said, appealing to people to maintain peace and law and order.
12 Detained, Few More Absconding
Police said the 12 detained persons were challenged under sections related to breach of peace and later produced before a magistrate, who granted them bail. Efforts are underway to trace three other persons who are absconding.
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According to police, preliminary inquiry revealed that the vacant house belongs to one Hanif, and was being used temporarily for Friday namaz.
No written permission or valid documents could be produced when sought by the authorities, they said.
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Police Action After Locals Complained
Police said some villagers had objected to the prayers being held regularly at the house without permission and informed the authorities, following which the police reached the spot and stopped the gathering.
The online video has been taken into account as part of the investigation, officials added.
With inputs from PTI
