At least a dozen Muslims were briefly taken into custody in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district following allegations of unauthorised religious activity inside a vacant house, police officials said.

The incident occurred in Mohammadganj village, where 12 individuals were detained on Sunday (January 18) for allegedly offering namaz inside an unoccupied building without obtaining official permission, news agency PTI reported.

Superintendent of Police (South) Anshika Verma said the police acted after local residents informed them that the house had allegedly been used as a makeshift madrasa for several weeks.

“Conducting any new religious activity or gathering without permission is a violation of the law. Strict action will be taken if such activities are repeated,” Verma said, while appealing to villagers to preserve communal harmony and public order.

Police said preliminary inquiries showed that the property belonged to a man identified as Hanif and was being used temporarily for Friday prayers on January 16. When questioned, those present were unable to produce any written approval or supporting documents, the authorities added.

The detained individuals were booked under sections related to disturbance of peace and later produced before a magistrate, who granted them bail. Police said efforts are ongoing to trace three other persons allegedly connected to the incident who remain absconding.

“A video purportedly showing people offering prayers inside the house has surfaced and is being circulated on social media,” PTI quoted authorities as saying, adding that the footage is being examined as part of the investigation.