Patna: For the first time in nearly three decades, Jumma Namaz (Friday prayers) were not held at the premises of Patna’s Kotwali police station after police reviewed a complaint alleging that the weekly congregation was affecting administrative work.
The decision follows a complaint submitted through the state’s Sahyog grievance portal, prompting an official inquiry by senior police officers.
Complaint Led To Review
According to officials, the complaint was filed by Prabhas Chandra Sharma, a resident of Buddha Colony, who alleged that the weekly Friday prayers held inside the police station premises disrupted official functioning.
Following the complaint, Additional Superintendent of Police Krishna Murari Prasad sought a report from the Kotwali police station.
A meeting was subsequently held on June 2, attended by Station House Officer Ajay Kumar, Additional SP Krishna Murari Prasad, representatives of the mosque committee and others to discuss the issue.
The police station submitted its report on June 4, after which authorities took further action.
Friday Congregation Did Not Take Place
Residents said that for around 30 years, hundreds of worshippers had gathered inside the police station premises every Friday for congregational prayers, which generally lasted about half an hour.
This week, however, the customary prayers were not held at the location.
Imam Responds
Sanaul Mustafa, Imam of Patna’s Kotwali Jama Masjid, said worshippers had been offering Friday prayers at the site for three decades without disrupting police work.
He said the station house officer had asked worshippers to use a different section of the premises.
“We have been offering prayers here for 30 years. The station in-charge asked us to offer prayers on the left side instead of the right side. There is no obstruction,” Mustafa said.
He also alleged that the complaint had been filed by someone attempting to disturb communal harmony.
“Someone intent on disturbing peace and harmony lodged a complaint claiming that the prayers were hindering official work,” he said.
Police have not publicly commented beyond confirming that the matter was examined following the complaint and subsequent departmental review.
