Masjid Qutubkhana: Barelvis take out protest march

On May 26, tension prevailed in Bareilly after Barelvi and Deobandi sects clashed over the appointment of an Imam in Masjid Qutubkhana. The appointment was necessary as the Imam of the mosque was arrested on sodomy charges.

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While the jailed Imam belonged to Deobandi sect, Barelvis tried to take over the mosque after he was arrested.

Following this, the mosque was locked by the district administration.

On Friday, the district administration had issued several directives on the issue. It had ordered that those who have been offering prayer at the mosque till now will continue to do so; Anjuman Islamia — the committee managing the affairs of the mosque — will continue with its work as per previous traditions and religious beliefs; a committee headed by additional district magistrate (Administration) will submit a report about the past procedures for appointment of Imam in the mosque; till then Moazzin (one who calls for Azaan) will lead prayers at the mosque and any party can move court for relief.

Subhan Raza Khan, the sajjadanashin of Aala Hazrat Dargah (Barelvis) in Bareilly — led the protest march, which reached the City Kotwali police station. “We are against the district administration’s decision. We will continue the protest till we get hold of Qutubkhana mosque,” Subhan Raza Khan told The Indian Express.

Due to the protest, all shops in Bareilly city’s Kohrapeer Road and Qutubkhana market were shut.