New Delhi: Nine people have been booked and four arrested after a mob – that was part of a Dussehra procession – allegedly broke into a heritage madrasa Wednesday night in Karnataka’s Bidar. Shouting slogans of “Jai Shri Ram” and “Hindu Dharam Jai” on the steps of Mahmud Gawan Madrasa, the mob then moved to a corner to perform Hindu rituals inside the premises, NDTV reported.
Additional Superintendent of Police Mahesh Meghannavar stated that nine persons named in the FIR on the basis of a complaint filed by Syed Mubhashir Ali at Market Police Station have been booked for trespassing, reported The Indian Express.
The police have designated personnel near the madrasa to prevent disturbance in the area.
The madrasa structure was also allegedly damaged as the mob broke a coconut during the pooja. Videos of the incident went viral on social media, showing the mob chanting Vande Mataram and slogans praising Hindu deities on the stairs of the madrasa.
Built in the 15th century and an Archeological Survey of India classified heritage site, the Mahmud Gawan Madrasa in Bidar is also listed among monuments of national importance in India.
The Muslim community in Bidar protested outside the local police station, demanding action against the accused and have threatened a massive protest after Friday prayers if all the accused are not arrested. They also alleged that the crowd dumped garbage on the wall of the mosque.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi tweeted a video of the incident questioning the Bidar Police as well as Karnataka Chief Minister BS Bommai on how such an attack could be allowed and accused the BJP of promoting such activities against Muslims in the country.
Visuals from historic Mahmud Gawan masjid & madrasa, Bidar, #Karnataka (5th October). Extremists broke the gate lock & attempted to desecrate. @bidar_police @BSBommai how can you allow this to happen? BJP is promoting such activity only to demean Muslims pic.twitter.com/WDw1Gd1b93
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) October 6, 2022
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