Four persons held for trespass into masjid complex in Bidar

Four persons have been arrested by Bidar police for alleged trespass into the Mahmud Gawan Masjid and Madrasa on Thursday.

The centuries-old monument is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

A video that went viral showed a group of men inside the masjid complex, chanting ‘bolo Bhavani maatha ki’.

A complaint by masjid officials stated several persons trespassed into the complex during a Dasara procession.

The police stepped up security following the incident and registered a case. The accused were booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Police said there is also a traditional practice followed twice a year at the complex to keep one of the ‘minars’ open for Hindus to perform puja. Few people are allowed for the rituals.