– Akhilesh Tripathi
Imam Tahzeeb of Anar Wali Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested on Friday for using a loudspeaker for Azan (call to prayer). The arrest came amidst heightened security in the area following recent unrest during a resurvey of Sambhal Jama Masjid.
The local administration and police have been on high alert since the unrest, deploying heavy security forces and conducting regular patrols. December 13 marked the third Friday since the disturbances, and officials were closely monitoring Friday prayers.
During the prayers, the Azan was broadcast over a loudspeaker at Anar Wali Masjid. Police and administrative officials, led by ASP Shreesh Chand and CO Anuj Chaudhary, immediately responded by surrounding the mosque. Imam Tahzeeb was summoned outside and arrested on charges of disturbing peace.
He was subsequently presented before SDM Dr. Vandana Mishra, who granted bail upon the furnishing of a ₹2 lakh bond. Dr. Mishra stated that the use of loudspeakers violated prior instructions, which had been issued based on Supreme Court orders, emphasising the removal or restricted use of loudspeakers in religious places.
Imam Tahzeeb claimed he was unaware of the issue, stating, “The Azan in the mosque is led by someone else. I am the Imam and had no knowledge of this matter. I was not invited to any meeting regarding these instructions.”
The police defended their actions, highlighting that a meeting with religious leaders had been held two days earlier to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives.
The arrest has drawn criticism from some quarters, with allegations that the Sambhal administration and police are using such actions to exert pressure on the Muslim community under directives from the Uttar Pradesh government. Critics argue that the ₹2 lakh bail amount is unusually high for a case involving breach of peace, interpreting it as part of a broader strategy to intimidate the community.
The incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions in Sambhal, with opposition leaders alleging suppression of information and restricted access to the area. Leaders of the Samajwadi Party and Congress, including Mata Prasad Pandey, Aradhana Mishra, and Ajay Rai, have reportedly been barred from visiting Sambhal.
Besides, jail officials in Moradabad, where individuals accused in the Sambhal violence case are imprisoned, have faced suspensions allegedly linked to attempts by political leaders to meet the detainees. Critics claim these actions aim to prevent the disclosure of the truth about the Sambhal violence.
The arrest of Imam Tahzeeb is viewed by some as part of this alleged broader effort to intimidate and silence dissent, with accusations that the state government is orchestrating these actions to maintain control over the narrative surrounding the incidents in Sambhal.
