Yahya Hallare

Daijiworld Media Network – Bhatkal (EP)

Bhatkal, Apr 21: Police personnel detained three people in Bhatkal for offering the namaz at Athar Mohalla, Abdul Rahim Athar mosque, Hebale gram panchayat limits on Monday, April 20, for violating lockdown regulations. They were released after they were marked 14-day quarantine seal on their hands.

People in the vicinity have alleged the police of being biased relating to the incident. Marakazi Jamatul Muslimeen Tenginagundi chief secretary Moulana Mohammed Iqbal Bangali said that they had not violated the lockdown order anytime. “We are following the orders of Tanzim and Wakf board and only three people were performing the namaz. More than three people are not allowed in the mosque at any time. Police personnel are harassing us on the pretext of lockdown violations,” he alleged.

Abdul Rahim Athar mosque (file photo)

Police in Hebale

SP Shivaprakash Devaraju was contacted over the phone seeking for clarifications on the matter. He said that there is no truth in the allegations by the people. “Performing namaz is not allowed in the mosque other than the appointed Imam and two other people. The three people detained by the police were not appointed in the mosque. Therefore, they have been sent home after warning. We are providing all the facilities in Bhatkal as far as possible,” he clarified.

As per reports, it is said that the Imams appointed in mosques of Bhatkal do not reside in close proximity to the mosques, therefore, the residents of the mohallas themselves perform the namaz. The incident had gone viral in social media and there is wide opposition against the police action.