A Hindu outfit leader has been booked for allegedly disrupting communal harmony by reciting Hanuman Chalisa near a mosque in Meerut’s Cantonment area, police said on Wednesday.
The accused, Sachin Sirohi, claims to be the national president of the All Bhartiya Hindu Suraksha Sansthan. On Monday, he and a group of unidentified individuals gathered outside the mosque, to declared it “illegal,” and then sat outside mosque to recite Hanuman Chalisa. According to reports, they also issued threats to demolish the structure.
The incident reportedly caused panic among residents, especially those near the nearby railway station and parking area. Soon after, mosque caretaker Taskeen Salmani and members of the Muslim community filed a complaint demanding action against Sirohi and his campanions.
Circle Officer Santosh Kumar Singh confirmed that Sirohi has been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). “Efforts are underway to arrest him,” he said. When asked about the legality of the mosque, he stated, “That is for the courts to decide.”
Meanwhile, a delegation from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) met Meerut’s Senior Superintendent of Police Vipin Tada. They urged authorities to invoke the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against Sirohi.
Officials are keeping a close watch on the situation to prevent further escalation.
