Muslim woman offers 'namaz' in temple to 'cure' illness; arrested

A 20-year-old Muslim woman from Delhi was arrested in Bareilly for allegedly offering ’namaz’ inside a temple that was later seen as offensive to the temple’s religious sentiments. For this act the woman along with her step mother, with whom she made the visit to the temple have been charged with “criminal conspiracy” and “outraging religious sentiment” as the manner in which she prayed at the temple was seen as offensive to the temple’s religious sentiments. The young woman, who resides in Delhi with her brother, had come to Bareilly to visit her father, as she was unwell and conventional medicine had not provided relief. Her step-mother suggested a visit to the nearby temple as an alternative remedy. On Saturday evening, as she entered the temple with her step-mother, someone recorded a video and shared it on social media, claiming that she was “offering namaz inside the temple.” A right-wing group subsequently filed a police complaint, leading to the arrest of the young woman, her step-mother, and a local resident. They have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 295A (outraging religious sentiment), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 153A (promoting enmity between different groups). In one of the widely-shared videos, the women can be seen in the temple, apparently praying while standing in a manner resembling Islamic tradition. In a separate clip, the young woman is observed bowing before a Shiva idol with a group of people present.

Mukesh Chandra Mishra, the Assistant Superintendent of Police (rural), commented on the situation, saying, “Two women were found offering ’namaz’ inside an ancient Shiva temple in Kesarpur village under Bhuta police limits on Saturday. A complaint was lodged, and the police immediately registered an FIR.” Regarding the second video, he mentioned, “The complainant didn’t provide us with the second video. We’ll check if more videos are available and consider them during our probe.” Farman Hasan Khan, the General Secretary of the nearby Dargah Aala Hazrat, urged for a thorough investigation, stating, “Police should conduct a comprehensive inquiry before sending anyone to jail. I’ll meet senior officials and request an impartial investigation.” The woman’s brother defended his sister, saying, “My sister is not well, and my mother took her to Bareilly for treatment, where she was made to worship in a temple by being told that this is the only way to cure her. My sister is not a criminal, and she shouldn’t be sent to jail. She is only a patient.”