Bukhari stopped, later allowed to go to slain cop's home

Delhi's Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari was stopped in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh on Monday afternoon for nearly two hours while he was on way to the native village of DSP Zia-ul-Haq who was killed by a mob last Saturday.

The cleric, who was stopped in Gauri Bazar area, was later allowed to proceed to police officer's house in Zafuaar Tola in Noonkhar village, officials said.

Earlier, they said the step was taken as a precautionary measure.

"I was going to the police officer's house to offer my condolences and take part in namaz-e-janaza. The authorities did not give any reason for stopping me," Bukhari told PTI by telephone.

The Shahi Imam, who was allowed to go after nearly two hours, alleged the Uttar Pradesh government had failed to provide security to Muslims in the state.

He said Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had accepted his demand for raising the ex gratia for the bereaved family and providing a job to the police officer's widow.

The DSP was killed by a mob in Pratapgarh district on Saturday when he had rushed there after a village head was shot dead over a land dispute.