In Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district, specifically in the Kosi Kalan area, a shop owner, Wahid Qureshi, made the decision to rename Punjabi Market as “Islamic Market” and had the new name printed on carry bags for his garments shop. This alteration caused a stir on Saturday, May 25th, prompting local traders to notify the authorities. As the incident gained traction on social media, law enforcement detained Wahid Qureshi, the proprietor of “Trends Never Ends” shop, and another individual. Despite Wahid Qureshi’s appeal for bail being denied by the SDM court, he was remanded into judicial custody for 14 days.
Local traders at Punjabi Market observed Wahid Qureshi’s unilateral renaming of the market to Islamic Market and the distribution of carry bags bearing the new name. Reacting to this, Shrikant Chaudhary, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad city president, and other traders reported the matter to Inspector Ajit Kumar at the police station.
BREAKING: Tension erupts in Punjabi Market in Mathura, UP, after an Islamist shopkeeper changed the name of the entire market to ‘Islamia Bazar’ and also printed related shopping bags for his customers.
Realizing the sensitivity of the situation, the Mathura Police immediately… pic.twitter.com/HXnPwT5CmT
— Treeni (@TheTreeni) May 26, 2024
Consequently, a team led by post-in-charge Mohit Rana conducted a raid on Wahid’s shop, confiscating 25 kg of carry bags labeled with “Islamic Market” and shuttering the establishment. Upon police intervention, Wahid attempted to flee but was apprehended along with an accomplice and taken to the police station. Following interrogation, the worker was released while Wahid Qureshi was fined. Meanwhile, the Municipal Council issued a notice to Wahid, demanding a response within three days.
Nihal Singh, the executive officer of the Municipal Council (Nagar Palika Parishad), emphasized that only the council possesses the authority to rename markets or localities. He highlighted Wahid Qureshi’s actions as a violation of Section 216 (2) of the UP Nagar Palika Act-1916.
Municipality officials uncovered clandestine alterations of names at a few locations and pledged to take stringent measures against those responsible. Nihal Singh stated that investigations are ongoing, with notices to be issued accordingly, and warned of legal action against individuals involved in unauthorized renaming of markets or localities should they fail to comply.
