Meerut, UP – A Muslim student, Khalid Pradhan (also known as Khalid Mewati), was arrested at IIMT University for allegedly offering namaz in an open area, following protests by local Hindu groups.
The controversy erupted after a video showing a group of students performing namaz on campus surfaced on social media around the time of Holi celebrations. The timing, coinciding with the second Friday of Ramzan, further escalated tensions.
In response, the university administration suspended Pradhan along with three security personnel and called for police intervention. Circle Officer Sadar Dehat, Shiv Pratap Singh, confirmed Pradhan’s arrest after the video went viral.
The police registered a case based on a complaint filed by Kartik Hindu, invoking Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, along with provisions from the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008.
University spokesperson Sunil Sharma stated that an internal probe revealed the namaz was conducted in an open space and that the video was uploaded with the intent to disturb communal harmony. Hindu groups demanded action, citing concerns about the large gathering and the timing of the video’s release during Holi.
Despite the tensions, Holi celebrations proceeded without major disturbances, thanks to heightened security measures. The arrest has sparked debates on religious freedom and communal harmony within educational institutions.
