A substantial crowd gathered at Gyanvapi Masjid for Friday namaz as a bandh unfolded in Muslim-dominated areas, responding to a recent district court order allowing Hindu prayers in the mosque's cellar.
The namaz proceeded peacefully, witnessing an attendance surge, with some redirected to alternative mosques due to the large turnout. City shops in Muslim-dominated zones remained shut, and stringent security measures were enforced around the mosque complex.
Divisional Commissioner Kaushal Raj Sharma, District Magistrate S Rajlingam, and Police Commissioner Mutha Ashok Jain monitored the situation outside the mosque.
The police assured regular monitoring of the town, conducting patrols in sensitive areas, and deploying drones for surveillance. Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, overseeing Gyanvapi mosque affairs, had called for a bandh, impacting market areas in Dalmandi, Nai Sadak, Nadesar, and Ardal Bazar.
A committee-issued letter urged market closures and peaceful namaz observance, advising Muslim women to stay indoors. Police Commissioner Jain coordinated security arrangements with officials, mobilising additional forces and deploying Rapid Police Force in sensitive zones.
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