A video showing a Muslim individual in police custody is being shared with false claims that an imam in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested for randomly calling Azaan using a loudspeaker. In reality, the imam, 23-year-old Tahzeeb, was arrested and fined Rs 2 lakh for violating loudspeaker volume regulations at the Anar Wali Masjid in Kot Garvi. He was granted bail and instructed not to repeat the act for the next six months.
Sharing the video on X (Formerly Twitter) propagandist account @TheObserverPost wrote. “In Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal, a mosque imam was arrested for using a loudspeaker to call for Azaan.”
In Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, a mosque imam was arrested for using a loudspeaker to call for Azaan. pic.twitter.com/qtGsLmvb3I
— The Observer Post (@TheObserverPost) December 14, 2024
Another propaganda account @meerfaisal001 also shared the video and wrote. “In Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal, a mosque imam was arrested for using a loudspeaker to call for Azaan.”
In Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, a mosque imam was arrested for using a loudspeaker to call for Azaan.@TheObserverPost pic.twitter.com/UJTfzT86qw
— Meer Faisal (@meerfaisal001) December 14, 2024
Several other users, influencers and propagandists have also disseminated the video and made similar claims. Their posts can be seen here, @Sheikhalfaris, @AshrafFem, @iamharunkhan, @virjust18.
The truth behind the claims, Fact Check
As soon as the posts containing the video and claims came to our notice. Subsequently, we conducted research and analysis of the incident and found that the imam was arrested for violating guidelines regarding the use of loudspeakers.
To verify the claims made by the users. We performed relevant keyword searches and found multiple reports regarding the incident. According to the reports (1, 2), the imam, identified as 23-year-old Tahzeeb, was arrested and fined for using the loudspeaker at a high volume. Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra confirmed that the imam was fined Rs 2 lakh as a precautionary measure and has since been granted bail. The imam has also been directed to refrain from similar conduct for the next six months, according to an order passed by the SDM.
Therefore, it is evident from verified sources that the Imam was arrested for loudspeaker noise violation.
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— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) December 14, 2024
ANALYSIS: Misleading
FACT: A video showing a religious preacher in police custody is being shared with claims that a mosque imam in Sambhal, UP, was arrested for using a loudspeaker to call for Azaan. The news is portrayed as the imam randomly called for Azaan (1/4) pic.twitter.com/xUJ9XqNj15
Intent
Influencers and propagandists are circulating misleading claims about the arrest of an Imam in Sambhal to set their narrative.
Conclusion
Claim– In Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal, a mosque imam was arrested for using a loudspeaker to call for Azaan.
Fact – The Imam was arrested and fined for a loudspeaker noise violation. Later, he was granted bail.
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