Meerut mosque fortified after Hindu outfit announces puja in it

MEERUT: Heavy police force was deployed around a mosque in Meerut’s Kesarganj area on Tuesday after a Hindu outfit announced plans to recite Hanuman Chalisa at the site, escalating tensions amid an ongoing dispute over construction at the mosque.Police cordoned off the area, stepped up identity checks and began monitoring social media, warning that no one would be allowed to disturb peace or take law into their own hands.The security deployment followed circulation of a video on Monday in which Hindu Raksha Dal announced that its members would recite Hanuman Chalisa outside the mosque.Mosque mutawalli Mohd Zubair approached SSP’s office with a complaint later that night, while local leader Rashid Akhlaq separately submitted a police complaint.SP (city) Vinayak Gopal Bhosle said additional personnel had been deployed considering the sensitivity of the situation and police were keeping watch on both the site and online activity. The Muslim side, which described the mosque as a historical heritage structure, also sought action against those making allegations about it.The confrontation followed a dispute over construction at and around the mosque. Traders led by Meerut Merchants Association president Naveen Bansal had questioned whether requisite permissions had been obtained and protested against the work, following which police stopped the construction. On Sept 12, the association sought an inquiry into the matter.Badar Ali, representing the Muslim community, said construction had been under way on the first floor of the centuries-old mosque but its committee agreed to halt the work after police intervened. “After the controversy erupted, police requested the mosque committee to stop the construction, which was agreed upon. However, a few outside elements made comments on social media that led to tension here. We have appealed to both communities to maintain calm,” Ali told TOI.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Meerut | Silver Rate in Meerut | Bank Holidays in Meerut | Public Holidays in Meerut | Meerut AQI | Weather in Meerut | Petrol Price in Meerut | Diesel Price in Meerut | CNG Price in Meerut | LPG Price in MeerutStay updated with the latest Meerut news. Download the TOI App.