Six Hindutva Activists Arrested for Attempting Pooja at Sambhal’s Shahi Masjid

Sambhal, 4 April (www.deccanlive.com): On the seventh day of Navratri, six members of a Hindutva group were arrested by police in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly trying to perform a Hindu ritual (havan/pooja) inside the historic Shahi Jama Masjid. The men, who came from Delhi, are said to be members of the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha.

Due to Friday prayers, the police were already on high alert. The group was stopped at the barricade about 100 meters before the mosque and taken into custody. Officials revealed that the same individuals had tried similar actions in the past and had been warned previously by the police.

Sambhal’s Superintendent of Police, Krishna Kumar Bishnoi, said that security was already tightened due to Jumma prayers. When a vehicle with six men was seen heading toward the mosque, police stopped them and questioned their intentions. It was found that they were planning to perform religious rituals inside the mosque premises. The police quickly detained them and took them to the local police station.

The SP confirmed that a case is being registered against the six individuals under sections related to disturbing public peace and order.

Statements from the Arrested

One of the arrested individuals, Sanatan Singh, claimed he had come from Delhi to perform a havan at Vishnu Harhar Mandir, but was arrested by police. He questioned, “If people can offer namaz there, why can’t we do pooja?”

Another accused, Veer Singh Yadav, said he had come to the mosque to conduct a religious ritual (anushthan) but was stopped by police. Anil Singh, also arrested, admitted he was on his way to perform a havan when detained.

Police Take Firm Stand

The administration has made it clear that any attempt to disturb communal harmony will be dealt with strictly. It’s worth noting that on November 24 last year, violence broke out during a survey at the same Shahi Jama Masjid, where four people were killed in police firing. Since then, the area has been under tight security.