Video: UP man offers namaz in middle of busy road, arrested

A video showing a man offering namaz in the middle of a busy road at a main intersection in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur has gone viral, prompting police action. The incident took place at the Shahabad Gate crossing under the Civil Lines police station area, where the man was seen praying on the road as traffic slowed, and a crowd gathered around him.

Police took cognisance of the viral video and detained the man for causing obstruction in a public place. A case has been registered in connection with the incident.

Additional Superintendent of Police Anurag Singh said action was taken after the video surfaced online. “A video from the Civil Lines area showed a man offering namaz in the middle of the road. Based on this, an FIR has been registered at the police station. The individual has been taken into custody and is being sent to jail,” Singh said.

FAMILY CLAIMS MAN IS MENTALLY UNWELL

The man’s family has claimed that he is mentally disturbed. Police said this claim is being verified as part of the investigation.

The incident drew public attention after visuals showed onlookers gathering at the intersection while the man continued to pray, briefly affecting normal traffic movement in the area.

UP CRACKDOWN ON PUBLIC PRAYERS

The action comes amid a broader push by authorities in Uttar Pradesh to curb religious activities on public roads, citing law and order concerns. Officials have repeatedly maintained that public spaces cannot be used for offering prayers without permission, particularly if it disrupts movement or public order.

Courts have, however, drawn a distinction between public and private spaces. The Allahabad High Court has clarified in recent rulings that while prayers on public roads may invite police action, offering namaz within private premises does not require government permission and is protected under the right to religious freedom.

The ruling underlines that authorities may intervene in cases where religious gatherings spill onto public roads, but cannot restrict peaceful worship within private property.

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