Lucknow: A Muslim woman was taken into custody by the Indian police in Uttar Pradesh for distributing meat to stray dogs around a temple area during the Navratri festival. The incident sparked tensions among the local Hindu community, leading to demands for her arrest.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the arrest occurred after the woman, identified as Aliza, was seen distributing meat near the Lambeshwar Shiva Temple in the Bazar Khala area of Lucknow. Reports from the scene indicate that the action caused unrest among Hindu devotees who were observing Navratri, a significant Hindu festival.

The local police, led by Inspector Santosh Arya, intervened as the situation escalated with a gathering crowd demanding immediate legal action against Aliza. Despite the communal tensions, Inspector Arya stated that Aliza was merely feeding the dogs without any intent to provoke or offend the religious sentiments of the temple-goers. “She is known for her care of street animals and has been feeding stray dogs regularly,” Arya commented, highlighting her routine activities and benign intentions.

The situation remains delicate as the police continue to investigate the matter, ensuring that community tensions do not lead to further disturbances. Aliza, who resides alone and is described as a dedicated animal lover, expressed that her actions were misunderstood and not aimed at causing any communal disharmony.