Student Arrested for Offering Namaz at Meerut University

Police arrested Khalid Pradhan (Khalid Mewati), a student at IIMT University, for allegedly offering namaz in an open area on campus, following protests by local Hindu groups, Clarion reported. The arrest came after a video surfaced during Holi celebrations showing students performing namaz, which led to demands for action from Hindu organizations.

The university suspended Pradhan and three security personnel involved in the incident. Circle Officer Shiv Pratap Singh confirmed that Pradhan was arrested and sent to jail, with a case filed under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 299 and the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008.

IIMT University spokesperson Sunil Sharma stated that the video was uploaded to “disrupt communal harmony.” The incident coincided with Holi and the second Friday prayers of Ramadan, raising tensions in the area. Despite concerns, the day passed without major incidents, thanks to heightened security measures by the UP administration.