12 Detained for Offering Namaz in Vacant House
Police say prayers were held without permission in Bareilly village; three suspects still absconding
- Police detain 12 persons in Mohammadganj village, Bareilly
- Prayers allegedly held in a vacant house without permission
- Video of namaz circulates on social media, included in probe
- All 12 later granted bail by magistrate
GG News Bureau
Bareilly, 18th Jan: Police detained 12 people in Mohammadganj village of Bareilly district on Sunday for allegedly offering namaz inside a vacant house “without permission,” officials said. The action followed complaints from local residents and the circulation of a video showing people praying inside the premises.
According to SP (South) Anshika Verma, police received information that the empty house was being used as a temporary madrasa for several weeks. “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 residents to maintain peace and law and order.
Police said the detained individuals were challaned 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 in connection with the case.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the vacant house belongs to a person identified as Hanif and was being used temporarily for Friday prayers. However, no written permission or valid documents could be produced when sought by authorities, police added.
Officials said some villagers had objected to the regular conduct of prayers at the house without approval and informed the police, after which a team reached the spot and dispersed the gathering.
The viral video of the incident is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation, police said.
