'It was raining outside': 3 arrested after man offers namaz at UP temple

MEERUT: An FIR has been registered against three persons, including a labourer, by police in UP’s Bulandshahr district for “hurting religious sentiments” after one of them was found allegedly offering namaz inside a temple premises on a local resident’s suggestion “as it was raining outside”.

Police said the accused, Asar Mohammad, 56, a labourer; Nazar Mohammad, 40, his aide, both of Zehra village in Bulandshahr; and local farmer Raj Kumar have been arrested on Thursday.

The incident took place at Auleena village in Bulandshahr’s Aurangabad area on May 31, and the matter came to light after a purported video of it was circulated on social media.

According to police, Asar was working at Raj’s house which is next to the village temple. It started raining during lunch, following which Asar entered the temple premises for shelter. Initial investigation indicates that Raj suggested that he could offer ‘namaz’ there as it was raining outside. Nazar was also present at that time.

Following the purported clip, an FIR was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 298 (deliberately wounding religious feelings of any person through words, gestures, acts or objects) and 299 (malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) based on a complaint by sub-inspector Abhishek Teotia.

Bulandshahr SSP Dinesh Kumar Singh said, “The video is being analysed. Statements of those present are being recorded. The situation remains peaceful in the village. However, we’re maintaining a close watch on anyone trying to foment trouble.”

Ravindra Kumar, who lives close to the temple, added, “Raj Kumar insisted that the two men working at his house take rest inside the temple and also offer namaz. When a few villagers got offended, Raj started arguing with them... Later, there was a video of the incident.”