Malegaon Police Register Case Against Five for Offering Namaz in Government Office
The Malegaon Killa police have taken legal action by registering a case against five individuals who were part of a group that offered namaz in the Malegaon Municipal Corporation's electricity department office on Monday. The incident has sparked significant controversy and led to charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Charges and Police Statement
According to police officials, the five accused have been booked on charges of unlawful assembly and obstructing public servants from performing their duties. Additional Superintendent of Police Teghbir Singh Sandhu provided details on the case, stating that the complaint was lodged by an employee of the electricity department.
"The complainant has alleged that a few people offered namaz, which obstructed work in the office. Five people have been booked under section 132 of the BNS, which pertains to obstructing government work in a government office," Sandhu explained.
When asked about arrests, Sandhu clarified that the police are proceeding with caution. "We have received the video of the people offering namaz in the office from the complainant. We will first verify the footage, then carry out thorough investigations, and take appropriate steps as warranted," he added.
Background of the Incident
The incident occurred on Monday when a delegation from the Loksangharsh Morcha visited the electricity department office to demand restoration of disrupted power supply. One of the members of the delegation explained their actions, stating that they needed to present their case to the officer but were constrained by religious obligations.
"We wanted to present our case, and that is why we wanted to see the officer in his office. Since it was the time to offer namaz during the holy month of Ramzan, we were left with no option but to offer it on the spot," the member said.
Political and Social Reactions
The incident created a furore on Wednesday as opposition parties in the Malegaon civic body and right-wing organizations demanded action against those who offered namaz. In response, these groups also recited the Hanuman Chalisa in the same office, escalating tensions.
A delegation from right-wing organizations presented a memorandum to the corporation, following which the concerned officer registered a formal complaint with the police. This led to the registration of the case on Thursday.
Official Response and Future Measures
Mayor Nasrin Shaikh acknowledged that namaz had indeed been offered in the office but emphasized that such actions would not be tolerated in the future. "Namaz was offered as they had to do it within a fixed time in Ramzan. We will, henceforth, take strict measures to ensure that no one offers namaz or recites Hanuman Chalisa in the office," she stated.
The police officer reiterated the legal basis of the case, noting that the complainant is an employee of the Malegaon Municipal Corporation. "The complainant has alleged that at least five people offered namaz in the office. Since it was obstructing public servants from performing their duties, a complaint under section 132 of the BNS has been registered," the officer concluded.
This case highlights ongoing tensions regarding religious practices in government spaces and underscores the legal implications of obstructing official work in public offices.
