Police have increased security around a mosque in the Kesarganj Mandi area of Meerut after a video circulated on social media showing a Hindu outfit leader announcing plans to recite the Hanuman Chalisa near the mosque on Tuesday.
Additional police personnel have been deployed outside the mosque, while patrolling has also been intensified to prevent any untoward incident.
Hindu outfit leader announces plan
In the video, Pinky Chaudhary, national president of a Hindu outfit, is seen announcing plans to recite the Hanuman Chalisa near the mosque.
Following the circulation of the video, police increased surveillance in the area and began monitoring social media posts related to the issue.
Superintendent of Police (City) Vinayak Gopal Bhosale said additional personnel had been deployed outside the mosque and patrolling had been increased.
“Maintaining law and order is our priority. No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands,” Bhosale said.
Police have also appealed to residents to maintain peace and ignore unverified information and rumours.
Mosque caretaker seeks police action
Zubair, the mosque’s mutawalli, or caretaker, visited the Senior Superintendent of Police’s office and submitted a complaint regarding the video.
He also requested police action and urged authorities to ensure peace and security in the area.
Police said they are monitoring social media activity and developments in the locality as a precaution.
Construction work halted earlier
The latest development comes amid a dispute over construction work at the mosque.
According to police, construction work on the upper floor of the Kesarganj Mandi mosque was stopped around a month ago after local traders lodged a complaint.
Officials said the video announcing the proposed Hanuman Chalisa recitation surfaced amid developments related to the construction issue.
Police said they have deployed additional personnel and are keeping a close watch on the situation to prevent any escalation.
