Muslim Man Arrested After Offering Namaz Outside Yogi’s Secretariat

In the video, now going viral, a man attired in white kurta-trouser and green turban is seen offering namaz on a busy road even as the traffic remained highly impacted by his action.

The man, identified as Rafique Ahmad, is then seen getting up and leaving the spot on his scooter. He was later arrested by the Lucknow Police.

After the video went viral, Lucknow’s Senior Superintendent of Police Kalanidhi Naithani ordered the registration of an FIR against the man. “He was tracked and arrested for creating nuisance and blocking a road. Further investigations are on,” Naithani was quoted by Hindustan Times.

Cops present outside the secretariat said that they did not action against the Muslim since he started offering namaz immediately after laying the prayer mat. There were also apprehensions that any action against him may be given a communal angle. Ahmad’s action has evoked angry reactions on social media platforms.

There’s no provision of a Muslim offering namaz by causing inconvenience to others. Ahmad is unlikely to receive any support for his seemingly bizarre action.