In Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, Mohammad Irfan, the muezzin of Madina Mosque in the Civil Lines area, has been arrested following a viral video. In the video, Irfan is allegedly seen threatening a police inspector with beheading. After the video went viral on social media, the police registered an FIR against him and initiated legal action.
The controversy began a few days ago when the police took action over the volume and permission of the mosque’s loudspeaker. Irfan alleged that during this action, Inspector Vinod Chaudhary mistreated and assaulted him. A separate video of this alleged incident had already circulated on social media.
The police action has received mixed reactions among locals and religious organizations. While some have supported the police move, others have demanded a strict investigation against the inspector. Members of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind also submitted a memorandum to the office of the Senior Superintendent of Police.
The police clarified that action on the viral threat video was necessary, but the truth of both parties’ claims during the confrontation would be verified before further legal steps are taken.