A protest broke out outside Deepak Hotel in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district after members of a Hindu organisation alleged that the hotel was being operated by a Muslim while using a Hindu name.
The incident took place on Thursday in the Partapur police station area along the Delhi-Dehradun Kanwar route, where Kanwariyas are travelling during the holy month of Sawan.
Hindu organisation objects to hotel’s name
Hindu leader Sachin Sirohi, along with members of his organisation, reached the hotel and alleged that Ali Murtaza was operating it despite being named Deepak Hotel.
Sirohi claimed that as soon as his team arrived, the hotel staff pulled down the shutters and did not allow customers inside to come out. He said transparency was necessary during the Kanwar Yatra and alleged that operating a business under a name that did not reflect the owner’s identity could mislead people.
“Matters related to the faith of Kanwar pilgrims require transparency. If the real identity of the owner is hidden, it can mislead people,” Sirohi said.
He warned that if the establishment did not prominently display the owner’s identity and change the name of the hotel, his organisation would continue its protests.
Police intervene after tensions rise
After receiving information about the protest, Partapur Police reached the spot. There was a brief argument between police personnel and members of the Hindu organisation before officers brought the situation under control.
Police officials assured the protesters that the matter would be examined and action would be taken if any violation of rules was found. Following the assurance, the protesters dispersed.
The hotel owner, Ali Murtaza, did not issue an immediate public response to the allegations.
Hotel has displayed owner’s details, reports say
According to reports, Deepak Hotel has been operating under the same name for many years and is frequented by customers from different communities.
Reports also suggest that the hotel has complied with government guidelines by displaying the names of the owner and employees on a notice board at the establishment. However, members of the protesting organisation maintained that merely displaying the owner’s identity was not sufficient and demanded that the hotel’s name be changed.
When asked why they were demanding a name change despite the BJP government being in power in Uttar Pradesh, representatives of the organisation said they believed Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath would take notice of the issue.
Police say investigation is underway
Police said they are investigating the allegations and will take action in accordance with the law if any violation is established. Security was maintained in the area to prevent any further escalation and ensure peace during the Kanwar Yatra.
