Bareilly police detain 12 after namaz held at vacant house 'without permission'

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Authorities in Bareilly district have detained a dozen individuals after prayers were allegedly conducted inside a vacant residence in a village, an act officials told news agency PTI was carried out “without permission”.

According to officials, the action followed complaints from residents of Mohammadganj village, who alerted the police that an unoccupied house was being used regularly for prayers.

A video, now circulating widely on social media, purportedly shows people offering namaz inside the premises and has been taken into account during the probe.

SP (South) Anshika Verma said the police stepped in as a preventive measure to avoid any disturbance. “Conducting any new religious activity or gathering without permission is a violation of the law. Strict action will be taken if such activities are repeated,” she said, while urging villagers to maintain peace and public order.

Law enforcement officials stated that the house is owned by a man named Hanif and was allegedly being used on a temporary basis for Friday prayers over the past few weeks. When questioned, those present were unable to produce any written approval or supporting documents allowing such use of the property.

The 12 people who were taken into custody were booked under provisions related to breach of peace and were later presented before a magistrate, who granted them bail. Police said efforts are ongoing to locate three other individuals who are currently absconding.

Officials added that some locals had objected to the repeated gatherings at the vacant house and formally informed the administration, following which officers reached the spot and halted the prayers.