By The Sampadak Express
A student, Khalid Pradhan (also known as Khalid Mewati), was arrested for offering namaz in an open area at IIMT University in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The incident, which occurred during Holi celebrations this week, sparked protests from local Hindu groups after a video showing a group of students offering namaz on campus went viral.
In response to the protests, the university administration suspended Pradhan along with three security personnel. The authorities also involved the police and took administrative action against the student.
Circle Officer Sadar Dehat Shiv Pratap Singh confirmed that the video was circulated on social media, leading to Pradhan’s arrest. The case was registered after a complaint was filed by Kartik Hindu at the Ganga Nagar police station. A case has been filed under Section 299 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for deliberate acts intended to insult religious beliefs, as well as provisions of the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008.
IIMT University spokesperson Sunil Sharma said the internal investigation revealed that the namaz was offered without prior permission and was likely an unplanned act. The university suspected the video was uploaded with the intention to disrupt communal harmony. Pradhan was called for questioning but failed to appear, leading to his suspension.
Local Hindu groups have called for further action, citing the large number of students involved and the timing of the video’s release, coinciding with the second Friday of Ramzan during Holi.
Despite tensions raised by the incident, the Uttar Pradesh government ensured tight security, and Holi celebrations passed peacefully without any major disturbances.
