Synopsis: Mosque President in Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa district booked under BNS Section 223 for appointing an Imam without police approval, sparking concerns of communal tension amid recent processions.
Qalam Times News Network
Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh) | September 12, 2025
Case Against Mosque President in Khandwa
The Mosque President of Kharkala village in Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa district has been booked for allegedly appointing an Imam without informing local authorities. Mohammad Hanif, who heads the mosque committee, is accused of failing to report the stay of Akhtar Raza, a Bihar resident temporarily appointed to lead prayers, in violation of district rules that require prior police intimation about outsiders.
Police confirmed that a case was filed under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for contempt of a public servant’s order. The controversy has stirred unease in Kharkala, a village with a 70:30 Hindu-Muslim population ratio, already grappling with recent communal strains.
Hanif and Imam Clarify Position
Defending himself, Hanif explained that Raza was on probation and had been provided accommodation by the mosque committee, not inside the mosque itself. “We intended to submit his documents once his permanent appointment was finalised. Now, all papers, including details of his extended family, have been handed to the police,” Hanif told Maktoob Media.
Raza, who joined the mosque a month ago, said uncertainty about his permanent status delayed the verification. He added that his family had initially accompanied him to Khandwa but returned to Bihar due to difficulties in finding rented housing. “I’m currently sharing the committee’s space. Once I secure a rented house, my family will join me,” he said.
Communal Angle Raised by Locals
Several villagers believe the FIR against the Mosque President is politically motivated. Mehboob Khan, a resident of Kharkala, alleged that right-wing groups were attempting to disturb communal harmony. He recalled tensions during Eid Milad-un-Nabi and Ganesh Chaturthi processions when objections were raised against the traditional route of the Muslim procession through Hindu-majority areas.
“Ganesh processions have passed through Muslim localities without objection. But now, suddenly, even established routes for Eid processions are being opposed. This is nothing but communalisation,” Khan said.
Police Emphasise Rules on Outsiders
Khandwa Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Rai reiterated that informing police about outsiders residing in the district is mandatory and any violation would attract strict action. The investigation into the case against Hanif is ongoing, with authorities insisting the issue is purely administrative, even as locals see it as part of a wider communal flashpoint.
