Hindu gangs bar Muslims from offering Friday prayers in Maharashtra mosque
Mumbai: Muslims were barred from entering in a village in Maharashtra’s Thane district to offer Friday prayers, drawing sharp criticism over an unconstitutional and discriminatory act.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Hindutva gangs blocked roads leading to the Khoni village mosque, in the presence of police, leaving worshippers from nearby areas like Pallava and Shel Phata unable to reach their place of worship.
The blockade was organized by Shiv Sena leader Hanuman Thombre.
“This is blatant discrimination,” said Shabir Ansari, a local resident. “Blocking access to a mosque attacks our dignity and religious freedom,” added Yasmeen Sheikh.
Legal experts and activists have denounced the act as unconstitutional, violating the fundamental rights of religious freedom and equality. Advocate Nida Khan called it “an illegal and communal act,” while activist Asif Patel warned of the dangerous precedent such incidents set for communal harmony.
Opposition leaders accused the ruling parties of enabling divisions to distract from governance failures. Social activist Imran Qureshi said, “This is an attempt to polarize communities and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.”
Critics have also highlighted the passive role of police during the incident, with no proactive measures to de-escalate tensions. Efforts to contact local police officials went unanswered.
Retired teacher Khurshid Ahmed voiced the broader concern: “This is about the kind of society we want—one ruled by prejudice or one united by justice and equality.”
Tensions in Khoni persist as Muslims grapple with the implications of such acts of exclusion on its constitutional values.
