Controversy Erupts in Khandwa: Police File FIR Over Bihar Imam’s Stay at Mosque

A mosque in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, has become the center of a controversy after an imam from Bihar was found residing there, leading to a police FIR. The police action was prompted by the failure to notify authorities about the imam’s accommodation. Subsequently, the mosque’s head and the imam were charged on September 9. Reacting to the situation, AIMIM chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the police, urging the SP to consider Article 19 of the Constitution. In a social media post, Owaisi declared the police action unconstitutional, highlighting the significance of Article 19. He questioned how housing an imam from Bihar could be considered an offense, asking if the police were targeting the imam solely due to his religious and regional background. The police defended their actions, stating that they adhered to the rules. SP Manoj Kumar Rai explained that informing the police about external residents is a must. The FIR was filed against the mosque’s head and the imam under Section 188 for not notifying the local police station about the imam’s stay, especially given the existing Section 144 in the district. The SP stressed the need for residents to provide information about those staying in their premises.