India: FIR Filed Against 7 Worshipers for Praying in New Mosque

In a disturbing development in Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh, India, police have registered a case against seven individuals for conducting prayers in a newly constructed mosque, according to a news report from The Indian Express confirmed by local sources. Four individuals have been arrested, with the other 3 absconding as police is conducting raids for their apprehension.

In the village of Jam Sawant, which falls under the Baheri tehsil of Bareilly district, a group of people erected a boundary wall, added three sheds, and established a new mosque. Following this, Friday prayers were held, leading to opposition from the local Hindu community and escalating tensions in the area. Police arrived at the scene and initiated an investigation.

Hindutva Jagran Manch’s district president, Himanshu Patel, alleged that the villagers were allowed to pray by placing three sheds on the boundary wall with the permission of the village head. He shared a drone shot of the worshippers on Twitter and also claimed that no permission was obtained from the district administration for conducting the prayers.