Imam, 8 Muslims arrested in UP over loudspeaker Iftar announcement
Rampur (UP): In yet another disturbing incident of religious intolerance in Modi’s India, a mosque imam’s use of a loudspeaker to announce Iftar in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur triggered a hate campaign by Hindutva men, leading to police intervention and the arrest of nine Muslims, including the imam.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the incident occurred in Manakpur Bajaria village, under Syed Nagar Chowki in the Tanda police station jurisdiction. After the imam’s announcement, members of the Hindu community objected and lodged a complaint, following which the police rushed to the scene.
However, instead of protecting religious freedom, authorities removed the mosque’s loudspeaker, terming the act a “new tradition” and citing concerns over public order.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Atul Kumar Shrivastava stated, “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.”
This incident underscores the growing pattern of religious intolerance in India under Modi, where Muslim religious practices are increasingly targeted under the guise of law and order concerns.
