Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya has formally requested Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti to stop what he calls “illegal appeasement” and lift the restrictive guidelines imposed on Hindu religious processions. Somaiya criticized the police for enforcing arbitrary rules during Hindu festivals, alleging unusual restrictions on procession routes near mosques and during namaz timings. He emphasized the need for a review of these practices to ensure fair treatment.
Somaiya highlighted instances during Ram Navami processions in Ghatkopar, Powai, and Chembur where police imposed restrictions under the guise of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) or guidelines. He expressed concerns over the forced silence and rerouting of processions near mosques during prayer times. The former MP claimed that police pressure often leads to changes in procession routes, even if mosques are unauthorized or encroach on government land.
The former MP further alleged that police actions, such as stopping processions for namaz or demanding silence during azaan broadcasts, disrupt public events. He cited incidents of organizers facing threats and rude behavior from police officials during religious processions. Somaiya stressed the importance of police reviewing and amending these procedures to ensure the smooth conduct of religious events without unnecessary hindrances.
