After the namaz controversy at the recently inaugurated Lulu Mall in Lucknow, the administration clarified that it did not give preferential treatment to Muslims.
The mall administration said that it is a completely professional establishment that conducts business without any discrimination. They clarified that the people on the video are not staff members.
After the video of public namaz was shared on social media, some groups alleged that the mall is biased in its employment policy. The administration in a statement said that 80% of its staff are Hindus and the rest are Muslims, Christians, and people from other communities.
The statement further said employees are hired on the basis of skills and merit, not based on their caste, class, or religion. "It's saddening that some selfish elements are trying to target our establishment". The administration further said that it has lodged a complaint against those who "maliciously" tried to organise prayers in the public area, reported NDTV.
The police filed an FIR under sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups) and 295A (deliberate act intended to outrage religious feelings) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against a group of unidentified people for allegedly offering namaz.
Two people were recently arrested reciting the Hanuman Chalisa and 15 people were detained for creating a disturbance inside the mall.
The LuLu Group International is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The outlet in Lucknow was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on July 10.