A Muslim Detained for Serving as a Priest in Shani Mandir at Shamli (UP)

The arrested accused is Imamuddin Ansari.

Shamli (Uttar Pradesh) – Imamuddin Ansari, a 55-year-old Muslim, living under a false identity as Baba Bangali aka Balaknath served as a priest in Shani Mandir in Manti Hasanpur village in the district. He has been recently apprehended by the Police. Imamuddin Ansari is from Bengal and was performing puja as a priest in this temple for the past two years. He has been booked under a case of cheating and hurting religious sentiments. He was presented in Kairana Court and has been sent to 14 days judicial custody. Shamli Police have even invited the Intelligence Department to join the investigations  and find out if he is a part of a larger conspiracy.

1. Police have seized 3 fake Aadhaar Cards and 1 PAN card from Ansari. A Police team has been sent to Bengal to verify his address as given on the Aadhaar Card and to get more information on him.

2. Hindus have expressed strong displeasure over the incident and demanded the State Administration to take stringent action.

3. Muth-Mandir District Chief Bharat Bhushan informed that an investigation drive will be undertaken throughout the district.

4. The office bearers of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have also appealed to people to keep a watch on persons moving around in attire like ‘Sadhus’ since they could be Muslims.

5. The incident has created a furore in the village and Police have appealed to people to remain calm.

6. Earlier, a Muslim named Qasim was arrested in Meerut district for staying in a Shiv Mandir posing as ‘Krishna Santpal’ and performing ‘puja’.