Chiplun, Maharashtra — On 30 January 2026, a group of Muslims offered namaz in the Narayan Talav area of the city. Objecting to this, Hindu activists submitted a memorandum to the Municipal Council demanding formal action. Despite 16 days having passed since this sensitive incident of offering namaz in a public space, the administration had failed to lodge an official complaint.
Expressing grave concern over the delay, representatives from several pro-Hindu organisations, including Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti, Shiv Pratishthan Hindusthan, Sakal Hindu Samaj, Yuva Sena, Shiv Sena (Guhagar), and gaurakshaks, confronted the Municipal Council administration on 16 February.
Chiplun, Maharashtra: Delay by Municipal Council in filing a complaint over the Narayan Talav Namaz issue has angered Hindu groups.
On such a sensitive matter, why the silence and delay?Inefficiency or pressure?
When administration fails to act swiftly, public protests become… pic.twitter.com/P1sGQHDATV
— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) February 18, 2026
The administration initially attempted to deflect blame onto the police for the sluggish progress. When the representatives insisted on speaking with Chiplun Police officials, the police stated that a letter requesting a formal complaint had already been issued to the Municipal Council on Thursday, 12 February. The delegation took strong exception to the administrative oversight when the Chief Officer was seen subsequently searching for the misplaced correspondence.
Representatives rebuked the administration, stating that failing to file a complaint despite such intense public reaction was an attempt to disregard Hindu sentiments. They eventually took Mr Bapu Sadvilkar, a responsible employee from the Municipal Council’s Garden Department, to the police station on 16 February to personally ensure the complaint was finally recorded.
Councillor Nihar Kovale questioned the Chief Officer regarding the administration’s stalling tactics, asking pointedly, “Is there an attempt being made to shield someone in this matter?”
It was noted that the police also contributed to the delay by merely ‘inwarding’ the letter rather than handing it directly to the relevant Council official. This perceived insensitivity from the police administration has led to widespread discontent among Hindus in Chiplun.
Muslims offer namaz at a public place in Chiplun; delay in administrative action questioned
February 4, 2026
Instead of taking proactive action against individuals causing public nuisance by offering namaz at public places, the administration appears to act only after being prompted — is this acceptable governance? – Editor, HJS
Chiplun, Maharashtra – On the evening of 30 January, Muslims offered namaz in the premises of Narayan Talav, which is located within the working jurisdiction of the Chiplun Municipal Council. Despite citizens present at the spot objecting to their offering of namaz at a public place, the individuals continued offering namaz.
Taking cognisance of the incident, on 2 February, many pro-Hindu organisations in Chiplun came together and submitted a memorandum to Municipal Council President Mr Umesh Sakpal, demanding legal action against the concerned individuals. At that time, Mr Sakpal assured them that, after obtaining complete information, the Municipal Council would make every possible effort to register offences against those responsible for the act.
At the time of submitting the memorandum, Councillor Nihar Kovalwe, Gorakshak Vikram Joshi, and representatives of various pro-Hindu organisations—Mandar Lele, Ajinkya Otari, Ankush Awale, Ganesh Agre, Dr Hemant Chalke, Shilpa Inamdar, Supriya Shinde, Sarika Bhave, and others were present.
The memorandum stated that, Narayan Talav is a public place under the Municipal Council, and performing religious activities there is an offence; despite this, namaz was deliberately offered there. The Muslims who came to offer namaz had brought all the necessary materials with them. The pro-Hindu activists stated that this was a conspiracy to create religious tension in Chiplun city and to disturb its social harmony.
Questions were also raised regarding whether a Municipal Council watchman was present at the site and why the activity was not prevented. A demand was made for an inquiry into the conduct of the concerned employee, citing the seriousness of the incident.
The memorandum further warned that the Municipal Council would also be held responsible for the incident and urged it to immediately lodge a complaint with the police to ensure legal action. The organisations stated that failure to do so would result in protests and that any ensuing law-and-order situation would be the responsibility of the Municipal Council.
Subsequently, representatives of the pro-Hindu organisations met Chiplun Police Inspector Mengde and demanded that an offence be registered in connection with the matter.
A large number of devout Hindu citizens were present at the Municipal Council office to protest against the incident and expressed strong opposition to the event.
