Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Moradabad Leader Booked Over Namaz Outside Circuit House
Police in Moradabad have registered a case against Samajwadi Party leader Mohammad Usman.
He is accused of praying at the Circuit House without permission and causing a traffic problem.
A video of the prayer was shared on social media.
A junior engineer complained to the police, and Hindu organisations also demanded action.
Usman said he did not block the road.
He said his SUV was parked in the proper parking area and that he prayed beside it.
Police are investigating the allegations.
They said further action will depend on what the investigation finds.
Police registered a case against Samajwadi Party leader Mohammad Usman over allegedly offering namaz at the Moradabad Circuit House without permission.
The complaint alleges Usman parked his vehicle near or on an access route, obstructing traffic and inconveniencing visitors.
Usman denied blocking the road, saying his SUV was parked in the Circuit House parking area and that he prayed in front of it.
The case followed a complaint by junior engineer Anil Kumar after a video of the prayer circulated on social media and Hindu organisations sought police action.
The case was registered at Majhola police station under Sections 285 and 293 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with further action pending investigation.
- Who
- Samajwadi Party leader Mohammad Usman, a relative of Bilari MLA Mohammad Faheem Irfan, was booked.
- What
- A case was registered over allegedly offering namaz at the Moradabad Circuit House without permission and allegedly obstructing traffic.
- When
- The case was registered on Friday night, with police providing details on Saturday.
- Where
- The incident took place at the Moradabad Circuit House in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, under Majhola police station.
- Why
- The case followed a complaint alleging unauthorized prayer and obstruction of a public route after a related video circulated online.
Police Complaint and Allegations
Accused's Denial
Traffic obstruction
Police Complaint and Allegations
The complaint and police account allege that Usman parked near the Circuit House access route and blocked or disrupted traffic.
Accused's Denial
Usman said his SUV was parked in the Circuit House parking space and that he did not block any road.
Prayer at the premises
Police Complaint and Allegations
The complainant alleged that Usman offered namaz on the Circuit House premises without permission.
Accused's Denial
Usman said he offered prayer in front of his parked vehicle and that nobody objected at the time.
Basis for police action
Police Complaint and Allegations
A video circulated online, and Hindu organisations approached police officials seeking action.
Accused's Denial
Police have not announced a final finding and said action will depend on the investigation.
- Accused
- Mohammad Usman, a local Samajwadi Party office bearer and Moradabad vice-president
- Location
- Moradabad Circuit House, Uttar Pradesh
- Complainant
- Anil Kumar, the Circuit House's in-charge junior engineer
- Police station
- Majhola police station
- Legal provisions
- Sections 285 and 293 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Allegations
- Offering namaz without permission and obstructing traffic
- Accused's response
- Usman said his vehicle was parked in the designated parking area and denied blocking traffic
- Next step
- Police said further action will follow the investigation
