55-year-old booked for refusing woman to offer prayers, hurling caste-based slurs

Stating that the suspect has been identified as Devendra Kumar, police said he was called in for questioning and later let off after serving a notice. An FIR has been lodged in the case on the basis of the complaint filed by the woman.

The Ghaziabad police on Thursday booked a 55-year-old caretaker of a place of worship in Sihani near Raj Nagar Extension for allegedly hurling casteist comments and not allowing a 50-year-old woman to offer prayers. The police said the man has been booked under IPC section 295 (injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class) and provisions of the SC/ST Act.

The Ghaziabad police booked a 55-year-old caretaker of a place of worship for allegedly hurling casteist comments and not allowing a 50-year-old woman to offer prayers. (HT Photo/ Representational Image)

Stating that the suspect has been identified as Devendra Kumar, police said he was called in for questioning and later let off after serving a notice. An FIR has been lodged in the case on the basis of the complaint filed by the woman.

Umesh Bahadur Singh, station house officer, Sihani Gate police station, said, “The woman offers prayers at this very place routinely. However, on Wednesday, the man rebuked her and disallowed her from performing her prayers. It is also alleged that he hurled caste-based remarks at her.”

“On the basis of the woman’s complaint, we lodged an FIR and called the man for questioning. He was let off after being served a notice. As per the notice, he can be called in for investigation at any time. The punishment under the sections is below seven years imprisonment,” he added.