New Delhi: Amid the ongoing campaigns by several right-wing Hindu groups against playing of ‘azaan’ through loudspeakers at mosques, Pune Police on Wednesday detained Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) general secretary Ajay Shinde along with six others after they performed ‘Maha Aarti’ at the Khalkar Hanuman Temple.
The police officials said that they were detained as per preventive action, ANI reported.
This development takes place as the Maharashtra Police has launched a state-wide crackdown on the MNS leaders and activists ahead of its May 4 deadline to remove loudspeakers from mosques and then other places of worship.
Over 250 MNS workers have been detained so far for playing ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ on loudspeakers, according to the Maharashtra Police.
Pune Police Commissioner Amitabh Gupta said the situation is currently under control.
“Many mosques did not play morning ‘azaan’ on loudspeaker voluntarily following the SC guidelines. 2500 security personnel were deployed across the city to maintain law and order,” he added, ANI reported.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Home Department said there are a total of 1,140 mosques in Mumbai, adding as many as 135 used loudspeakers before 6 a.m. today.
“Appropriate action should be taken against these 135 mosques that went against the orders of the Supreme Court of India,” the Maharashtra Home Department said.
ALSO READ: Hanuman Chalisa Row | Mumbai Court Grants Bail To Navneet Rana & Husband Ravi Rana
The Supreme Court had earlier in July 2005 banned the use of loudspeakers and music systems in public places between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. (except in cases of public emergencies), citing the serious effects of noise pollution on the health of those who live in such areas.