Lucknow, 16th July 2022: The controversy that started over Namaz in Lucknow’s Lulu Mall, the capital of Uttar Pradesh is continuing to grow. The police got into a scuffle with activists of Karni Sena, Bajrang Dal and some other Hindutva organizations who reached the mall today demanding to read Hanuman Chalisa. After this, the police arrested 20 people. Aditya Mishra of Rashtriya Hindu Yuva Manch and a member of BJP Yuva Morcha’s State Working Committee Neha Singh were also present.

After the uproar at Lulu Mall and clashes with the police, the security of the mall was further tightened. With the installation of several CC cameras nearby, surveillance was started with drones. Police force was increased on nearby main roads. People coming to Lulu Mall were allowed inside only after strict checking. ADCP Rajesh Srivastava said that 20 people have been arrested under the apprehension of disturbing the peace. On Saturday, a video of a young man offering Namaz at Charbagh railway station went viral. On this the GRP officers started strictly there. Police Commissioner DK Thakur said that strict action would be taken against those who disturb the atmosphere. Security has been increased. Action has been taken in this case under the apprehension of breach of peace.

Women were also included in the protesters as three Hindu Samaj Party workers were arrested by the police on Friday evening for insisting on reciting Sundarkand and reciting Hanuman Chalisa at Lulu Mall. Along with this, a young man who was offering Namaz in the mall was also arrested. It was only after this action that the police increased the security of the mall. At the same time, the mall management had also increased the number of security personnel inside the premises. On Saturday afternoon, Karni Sena, Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Yuva Manch and many Hindu Vadi organizations officials and activists started reaching Lulu Mall in large numbers. Aditya and other office bearers of Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Yuva Manch asked to read Hanuman Chalisa in the mall. On this, ADCP Southern Rajesh Srivastava refused him to go inside. When the ruckus increased on this, more force was called. Women were also among the protesters.

Seeing the ruckus increasing, the police surrounded the protesters and caught them. Then they were forcibly seated on the bus and sent to Sushant Golf City Kotwali. However, the police had to make a lot of effort regarding this action. The police also reprimanded the stick. Seeing this action, many more workers reached there.

This caused a stir among the police officers present outside the mall. Suddenly several police officers reached inside the mall and arrested both of them.

ADCP Rajesh Srivastava said that the identity of these two youths is Rajendra, a resident of Gosainganj and Akshay Kumar, a resident of Balrampur. 20 people have been arrested in this uproar. All of them were taken to the police lines.