26 February,2026 04:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The video of the prayers circulated widely on social media, sparking debate. Pic/X
A political controversy erupted in Maharashtra after a video showing namaz being offered inside the electricity department office of the Malegaon Municipal Corporation went viral, prompting police to register a first information report (FIR) against several individuals.
The incident took place during a protest by residents over alleged unresolved electricity supply issues in one of Malegaon's wards. The demonstration was led by Lukman Kamal, president of the Malegaon Lok Sangharsh Samiti. As the protest coincided with the Asr prayer during the holy month of Ramadan, some protesters offered namaz in congregation inside the municipal office premises.
The video of the prayers circulated widely on social media, sparking debate over the appropriateness of holding religious observances inside a government office.
Following the controversy, Malegaon Police registered a first information report (FIR) against two named persons - Lukman and Salim Ikka - and four to five unidentified individuals. The case has been filed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to unlawful assembly and obstruction or assault of a public servant, along with sections of the Maharashtra Police Act concerning illegal assembly and disruption of official duties.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya wrote to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking strict action. He said offering namaz inside a government office was unacceptable and called for an FIR and disciplinary action against those responsible.
"Namaz cannot be offered inside government offices. Whoever is responsible should face strict action. The police should also register an FIR," he said.
The episode drew sharp reactions from other political leaders as well. Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Narayan Rane condemned the act and demanded action. BJP legislator Atul Bhatkhalkar termed it illegal and called for strict measures, while Shiv Sena Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Sanjay Gaikwad said religion should not be mixed with administration and government offices should not be used as places of worship.
However, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) state president Shashikant Shinde cautioned against politicising the issue.
"In Maharashtra, there had never been unrest in the name of religion or caste before, but today we are seeing that people are trying to politicise any issue," he said.
