Bengal cops pressuring mosques to remove loudspeakers, claim Muslim leaders

A major controversy has erupted in West Bengal after several Muslim leaders claimed that mosques across the state were being pressured by police to remove loudspeakers used for the azan, or call to prayer. Several mosque committees alleged that they received verbal instructions from local police stations regarding the removal of loudspeakers.

The Trinamool Congress faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee is set to raise the issue with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday.

Meanwhile, three rebel TMC MPs – former cricketer Yusuf Pathan, Khalilur Rahaman and Abu Taher Khan – met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday and submitted a memorandum over the matter.

The MPs expressed concern over the protection of religious freedom and urged the Centre to ensure that noise pollution norms are enforced without hurting religious sentiments.

Former Bengal minister and



TMC leader Siddiqullah Chowdhury warned of a large-scale agitation if the issue was not addressed.

Chowdhury, who heads the Bengal unit of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, alleged that police personnel visited several mosques and pressured their managements to remove loudspeakers.

Indian Secular Front (ISF) MLA Naushad Siddiqui said he might move the High Court and wrote to the Bengal Director General of Police seeking clarification on whether any official order had been issued.

In his letter, the Bhangar MLA said several mosque committees had already reduced the volume of loudspeakers and argued that those violating the rules should receive formal notices and be given an opportunity to present their case.

He also demanded a standard operating procedure for implementing noise pollution norms and sought an inquiry against police personnel found to have exceeded their authority.