Mumbai Police Criticised for Measuring Tazias During Muharram Processions
Muslims across Mumbai observed the 10th day of the holy Islamic month of Muharram on June 25 and 26 with tazia processions, amid controversy over local police officers measuring the religious structures.
The processions, which took place in several parts of the city, were held to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. The tazias carried by the devotees symbolise the mausoleums of the martyrs of Karbala and hold deep religious significance for the Shia community.
However, administrative measures taken ahead of the processions triggered significant controversy. Videos and photographs circulating on social media showed ACP Anuj Chaudhary and other police personnel using measuring tapes to check the dimensions of the tazias. The exercise, which was reportedly conducted as part of security and administrative preparations for Muharram, drew sharp criticism from sections of the Shia community. Devotees alleged that the physical inspections amounted to disrespect towards their revered religious symbols.
Maulana Yasoob Abbas, the National General Secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, spoke on the significance of the period. He stated that Muharram marks the supreme sacrifice of Imam Hussain, who, along with 72 members of his family and companions, was martyred in the Battle of Karbala while upholding the principles of justice, truth, and humanity. Maulana Abbas noted that people from different faiths participate in the Muharram commemorations and tazia processions to respect this enduring legacy.
In a separate development related to the observances, the Muslim think tank Milli Shoora strongly condemned remarks made by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding Muharram mourning rituals. Advocate Zubair Azmi, the Convenor of Milli Shoora, stated that the Chief Minister had misrepresented the centuries-old practice of self-flagellation, which is observed by some Shia Muslims to express grief and remembrance of Imam Hussain's martyrdom.
Azmi defended the ritual, explaining that it has been practised for over 1,400 years across the world and in India. He highlighted that members of the Hussaini Brahmin and Dutt Brahmin communities have traditionally participated in Muharram observances alongside Muslims. Azmi alleged that describing the practice as a display of strength meant to intimidate the majority community was a gross misinterpretation of an established religious tradition.
