Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar held a meeting at Sahyadri Guest House on Wednesday morning, June 25. State Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla, Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, and several Muslim political leaders, including Nawab Malik, Sana Malik, Zeeshan Siddique, Abu Azmi, Waris Pathan, Jallal Uddin and Siddharth Kamble, attended the meeting.
Samajwadi Party State President Abu Azmi said, "The entire issue is happening in Mumbai. Azaan has been taking place not just today, but for generations. But someone, some Somaiya, has created pressure in Mumbai. Because of the pressure from one person, Muslims are being harassed. All points were heard; the Commissioner was present and so was DGP Madam."
Also Read | Maharashtra Weather Update: Heavy Rainfall Likely in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad and Pune Today.
Earlier, Muslim organisations in Mumbai South had a meeting with Deputy CM Pawar, urging him to intervene and find a resolution as they alleged that police have been harassing mosque authorities by forcibly removing loudspeakers. They argue that the High Court has clearly permitted noise levels between 45 and 56 decibels, yet police are taking down loudspeakers without a proper investigation.
According to the organisations, action such as issuing a notice or revoking a licence is warranted only if a violation is found. Nowhere has the court ordered the removal of loudspeakers outright. Despite this, they claim, police are acting without following due process.
Former MP Kirit Somaiya has launched a campaign to remove mosque loudspeakers and has reportedly been visiting Govandi and other Muslim-dominated areas, allegedly pressuring local police to act. Despite following the rules, police are allegedly taking action after coming under pressure from protest of BJP leader over the loudspeakers at mosques in Mumbai.