Mangaluru Police Takes Suo Motu Cognisance Of Men Offering Namaz On Public Road After Video Emerges; VHP Condemns Acts

A video recently went viral showing a group of men offering namaz on a public road in Mangaluru, Karnataka, leading the police to register a suo motu case.

The incident, which took place on 24 May in Kankanady, caused traffic disruptions, forcing many vehicles to take alternative routes, as per a report by The Indian Express.

The prayers were held on a public road in front of a mosque. A police officer mentioned that the mosque authorities had also been informed about the incident.

Following the video's circulation, right-wing organisations have threatened to recite the Hanuman Chalisa on public roads.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad condemned the act of offering namaz in a public space, with its leader, Sharan Pumpwell, warning of mass Hanuman Chalisa recitations at the same location. A memorandum seeking action was also submitted to the police.

Former Bharatiya Janata Party minister K S Eshwarappa stated that the Hindu community would not tolerate such activities and warned that police inaction could lead to riots.