Hyderabad: Trespassers booked for performing puja inside Qutub Shahi Masjid; police picket set up

Hyderabad: Police have registered a case against trespassers for allegedly barging into Qutub Shahi Masjid at Shaikpet and performing puja. "A case has been registered under Section 447 and 427 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)," said Ch Raghunandan Rao, ACP Madhapur.

Section 447 of IPC says whoever commits criminal trespass shall be punished with imprisonment extending up to three months or with a fine extending up to five hundred rupees, or with both. Section 427 of IPC says that whoever commits mischief and thereby causes loss or damage to the amount of fifty rupees or upwards, shall be punished with imprisonment extending up to two years, with a fine, or both.

According to sources, some trespassers entered the mosque breaking its gate open, and performed puja inside it.

"The land spans up to 34 guntas (approx 0.85 acre). Of which 18 guntas (approx 0.45 acre) are allocated for a temple and the rest is for the mosque," explained Rao, ACP Madhapur.

He also added that the police were told that some people came into the mosque premises and performed puja. Police are investigating what actually happened.

Some people also alleged that the incident happened in the presence of the Raidurgam police, which remained mute spectators. NewsMeter is yet to get a response from the Raidurgam police.

Amjed Ullah Khan, spokesperson of Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) tweeted: "This act of breaking open masjid gate and performing puja inside masjid land with Raidurgam Police being a mute spectator has hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims."

ACP Madhapur also said that a police picket has been stationed at the spot to avoid any kind of tension or clashes in the area.