India: Man attempts to set Delhi's Shahi Imam ablaze
The attacker has been identified as a resident of Parganas in West Bengal.
LAHORE (Web Desk) – According to the Indian media, the Magrib prayer on Sunday was interrupted when a 34-year old man hurled kerosene oil on Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, and attempted to set him ablaze lighting his lighter. Imam’s guards, however, were able to respond well in time and apprehend the attacker and handed him over to the police.
The attacker has been identified as Kamaaluddin alias Kamaal, a resident of Parganas in West Bengal. An FIR has been registered under the section 307 of the Indian law (attempt to murder) and police are now interrogating the culprit.
The incident took place when hundreds of people had gathered at the mosque to offer prayer. According to the Imam of masjid, the man had met him earlier in the evening and shook hands while walking in the courtyard before the prayers commenced.
“Jama Masjid, India s largest mosque is located across the Red Fort. The Mughal-era monument has witnessed two terrorist attacks.
The first incident took place on April 14, 2006 when two explosions had occurred in the courtyard of Jama Masjid while the second took place on September 19, 2010 when two gunmen on a motorcycle fired at a tourist bus near Gate 3 of the mosque.” – states Zee News.
“The Shahi Imam was also attacked by another mentally disturbed person last year during Friday afternoon prayers. The man had attacked him with a paper cutter. He too was overpowered and arrested.” – states Midday News.
