Namaz On Government Property: 28 Booked In Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri

On Sunday, a group of individuals, comprising 28 people where three were identified while the rest remained unknown, were charged with "rioting" and "criminal trespass" by the police.

The group was accused of allegedly setting up loudspeakers and conducting mass prayers on a state government property situated in Kashiram area of Lakhimpur Kheri city.

A video of the event found its way to social media and quickly circulated online. Shortly after that, a complaint was lodged by local right-wing activist Ramgopal Pandey, alleging that the group had trespassed on a vocational school building complex and deliberately intended to hurt religious sentiments.

Police registered an FIR against the accused for "rioting" and "criminal trespass" under sections 447, 147, and 298 of the Indian Penal Code. Among the accused, three were named, as reported by TOI, Mohammed Adil, Jumman Khan, and Nisha Khan.

The police are also searching for 25 unidentified persons who were present at the event. Circle Officer, Sadar Sandeep Singh, said: "We have sent the video clips to a forensic lab for verification and are carrying out a detailed investigation of the case. The accused will be identified with the support of evidence gathered so far. Notices will be served to them to join the investigation."

In the wake of the incident, activist Pandey stated: "There is a vocational school for children in Kashiram colony which was built by the state. It was encroached upon by some people of a particular faith to offer namaz on March 25... They have hurt our religious sentiments. We want strict action against them."

The accused are currently absconding, according to the police.