Mathura: Hindu group wants Hanuman Chalisa inside mosque; police step up security to keep peace

Security has been strengthened in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura over a Hindu group's call for recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa inside the Shahi Masjid Idgah on 6 December 2022.

Police said that "no new tradition or ritual" would be allowed at the site. Around 1,500 police, armed constabulary and paramilitary force personnel were being deployed, and traffic restrictions enforced near the Shri Krishna Janmasthan temple and the Shahi Masjid Idgah to prevent tension.

Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha national treasurer Dinesh Kaushik said they would go ahead with the programme.

Also watch: Mathura: amid tension over Hanuman Chalisa call, Hindu group leaders detained by police

"In case the administration does not allow us to proceed, we will recite Hanuman Chalisa at the place where we will be stopped," he said. He threatened to commit suicide if they were stopped by the administration. He also claimed that many workers of the organisation were put under house arrest.

The organisation had given a similar call last year but their plan was scuttled by the district administration.

(With PTI inputs)