Hindutva group plans Hanuman Chalisa at UP masjid, security beefed up

Meerut: In Uttar Pradesh, security has been tightened around a mosque in the Kesarganj Mandi area after a video circulated on social media showing a Hindu outfit leader announcing plans to recite the Hanuman Chalisa near the place of worship on Tuesday, according to reports.

Additional police personnel have been stationed outside the mosque, while patrolling and surveillance have been intensified to prevent any possible disturbance. Police are also monitoring social media activity in the locality amid concerns that the announcement could trigger tension.

The video features Pinky Chaudhary, national president of a Hindu outfit, announcing the proposed recitation. Following its circulation, Zubair, the mosque’s caretaker, approached the Senior Superintendent of Police’s office with a complaint and sought preventive action to maintain peace in the area.

The developments come against the backdrop of a dispute over construction work at the mosque. Police said work on an upper floor was stopped around a month ago after local traders raised objections.

Superintendent of Police (City) Vinayak Gopal Bhosale said that additional forces had been deployed and security arrangements had been strengthened in the area. Authorities are keeping a close watch on developments and have warned against attempts to disturb public order.

Police have urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading or acting on unverified information and rumours. Authorities said maintaining law and order remains the priority and that attempts to take matters into one’s own hands would not be permitted.