Bareilly,

18 Jan (HS): Police have detained 12 persons in a hamlet in the Bareilly

district for reportedly performing namaz at an empty house without

permission, authorities claimed on Sunday. A video purporting to show

individuals praying inside the residence has leaked and is being shared on

social media, they added. SP (South) Anshika Verma said police took

precautionary measures after getting reports from residents in Mohammadganj

village that a vacant home had being utilized as a makeshift madrasa for

several weeks. It is illegal to conduct any new religious activity or assembly

without prior approval. Strict measures would be taken if such acts are

repeated, she warned, urging people to keep peace and law and order.

According

to police, the 12 detainees were charged with breach of peace and subsequently

appeared before a magistrate, who granted them bail. Efforts are ongoing to

locate three additional people who have escaped. According to authorities, a

preliminary investigation found that the unoccupied residence belongs to one

Hanif and was being utilized temporarily for Friday namaz. When the authorities

asked for written authorization or legitimate documentation, they replied they

couldn't present any. According to police, several residents protested to the

regular prayers being conducted at the residence without authorization and

contacted the authorities, prompting the police to arrive and disperse the

crowd. The web footage has been considered as part of the inquiry, police said.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi