A mosque imam’s use of a loudspeaker to announce Iftar in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur led to a hate campaign by a Hindutva outfit and police intervention, resulting in the arrest of nine Muslims, including the imam.
The police termed the act a “new tradition” and removed the loudspeaker from the mosque, citing concerns over public order.
The incident took place in Manakpur Bajaria village, located in the Syed Nagar Chowki area under the Tanda police station. On Sunday, the imam made an announcement for Iftar using a loudspeaker, triggering objections from members of the Hindu community, who lodged a complaint with the police.
Officers from Tanda police station and other units rushed to the scene, attempting to pacify both sides and mediate, but tensions remained high.
Speaking on the matter, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Atul Kumar Shrivastava said, “A dispute arose between two groups following an announcement made through a mosque loudspeaker in Manakpur Bajaria village. Immediate action was taken, and nine people were arrested to maintain law and order.”
The mosque, which has existed for around 15 to 20 years, serves approximately 20 Muslim families in the village.
