A 35-year-old man has been arrested in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly offering namaz in the middle of a road, which caused traffic disruption. The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening near the Shahabad Gate crossing in the Civil Lines area, gained widespread attention after a video of the event was circulated on social media on Sunday. Police took swift action following the circulation of the video, launching a search for the individual and subsequently identifying and arresting him.
Man Arrested Amidst Traffic Congestion
The accused, identified as Naeem Ahmed, reportedly engaged in odd jobs. According to police reports, he ran onto the road, sat down in the middle of the carriageway, and began to pray. This act quickly drew a crowd, leading to significant vehicular movement disruption and a traffic snarl in the area.
The Additional Superintendent of Police, Anurag Singh, confirmed the arrest and stated that the accused was produced before a local court in Rampur, which remanded him to judicial custody. The case has been registered under sections of the Indian Penal Code related to breach of peace, wrongful restraint, statements conducing to public mischief, and disobedience to orders duly promulgated by a public servant.
Family Claims Mental Unfitness
Ahmed’s family has claimed that he is mentally unfit, and this aspect is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation. The Station House Officer of the Civil Lines police station, Omkar Singh, noted that police are investigating this claim. Authorities are verifying the mental health condition of the accused to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.
While the right to religious freedom is protected, the use of public roads for religious activities that cause disruption is generally not permitted. Courts have distinguished between private and public spaces, with public roads being subject to laws that maintain public order and ensure smooth traffic flow. Legal actions have been taken in similar instances in Uttar Pradesh previously, where offering prayers on streets has led to legal consequences due to obstruction and violation of prohibitory orders.
The Rampur police have stated that they will complete legal procedures based on their findings. The incident underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities in Uttar Pradesh to manage religious activities in public spaces, balancing religious freedom with the imperative of maintaining law and order and preventing public disruption.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
