A few days ago, a Pakistan-based propaganda account @SAHR_Watch resurfaced an old news story, falsely alleging that 40 Muslims were arrested in Kanpur for merely offering Namaz. These claims have been widely circulated, aiming to stoke communal tensions and serve a specific agenda. In this fact-checking article, we will delve into the details of the situation and provide clarity on the events surrounding the incident.

An FIR has been registered against 40 Muslims in Kanpur for offering namaz on the streets on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha. Of the many people who went to offer prayers at the Eidgah Masjid in the Jajmau area of Kanpur on Thursday, some reached too late, and so, pic.twitter.com/t3gKdEjGT0

— South Asian Human Rights Watch (@SAHR_Watch) September 22, 2023

The Actual Situation:

Contrary to the misleading claims, the individual Muslims in question were not arrested solely for offering Namaz. The incident took place in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, where authorities had issued guidelines for the observance of Eid-ul-Azha. These guidelines were put in place to ensure the safety and convenience of the public during the festival.

To foster a sense of unity and cooperation, officials from the police and district administration met with the city Qazi, Imams of mosques, and Peace Committee officials on June 23rd, well in advance of the festival. This meeting aimed to discuss preparations and ensure that the festival would be celebrated with joy and brotherhood.

#ईद_उल_अज़हा (बकरीद) का पर्व करीब है, पर्व पूरे हर्षोल्लास और भाई चारे के साथ मनाया जाए इसके लिए शुक्रवार को मर्चेंट चेंबर हॉल में पुलिस एवं जिला प्रशासन के अधिकारियों ने तैयारियों के संबंध में शहर काजी, मस्जिदों के इमाम, पीस कमेटी के सदस्यों के साथ बैठक की। @Uppolice @DMKanpur pic.twitter.com/4loJlNKo92

— POLICE COMMISSIONERATE KANPUR NAGAR (@kanpurnagarpol) June 23, 2023

Traffic Arrangements and Notices:

As per the official statement by the Kanpur Nagar Police Commissionerate on June 27th, they had made elaborate security and traffic arrangements for Eid-ul-Azha. This included inspections of Eidgahs, deployment of a significant police force, and the utilization of modern technology for surveillance. The objective was to ensure a peaceful and smooth celebration of the festival without causing disruptions to the general public.

Furthermore, the Commissionerate’s traffic police devised a new traffic plan for Eid-ul-Zuha (Bakrid), which was scheduled to be in effect from 5 a.m. on June 29th until the conclusion of the festivities. These proactive measures were intended to manage the flow of traffic and minimize inconveniences for commuters.

Conclusion:

In light of the above facts, it is evident that the claim of 40 Muslims being arrested in Kanpur solely for offering Namaz is grossly misleading. The arrests were made because some individuals had violated the guidelines put forth by the authorities, which were designed to maintain security and ensure a hassle-free celebration of Eid-ul-Azha. Following a precise analysis and fact-checking, our team has reviewed the claim. You can refer to the findings of this inquiry in the Twitter thread below. To read more about the arrest, click here [archive].

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ANALYSIS: Misleading

FACT: A Pakistan-based Propaganda account circulating over two months old news misleadingly claiming that 40 Muslims were arrested in Kanpur just because they offered Namaz. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/XeFRgz50di

— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) September 25, 2023

Claim: 40 Muslims were arrested in Kanpur just for offering Namaz.

Fact: The arrests were made due to violations of guidelines issued to ensure the safety and convenience of the public during Eid-ul-Azha celebrations in Kanpur.

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