Authorities have invoked the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) along with a provision from the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to terrorism in connection with the recent explosion at a mosque in Maharashtra’s Beed district, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred on the evening of March 30, just before Eid-ul-Fitr, in Ardha Masla village located in Georai tehsil. According to officials, the blast was reportedly triggered after a dispute broke out between two groups during a religious procession.
Although no injuries were reported, the explosion caused damage to the inner structure of the mosque.
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Two local residents, identified as Vijay Rama Gavhane (22) and Shriram Ashok Sagde (24), were apprehended shortly after the explosion. Initially, the police registered the case under multiple BNS provisions, including Section 298 (defiling a place of worship with the intent to insult religion), Section 299 (acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and Section 196 (promoting enmity between groups).
As the investigation progressed, law enforcement authorities added more serious charges under BNS Section 113, which pertains to terrorist activities. Additionally, Sections 15, 16, and 18 of the UAPA were invoked—these relate to committing, punishing, and conspiring to commit a terrorist act.
Legal experts note that securing bail under the UAPA is notably challenging due to the act’s stringent nature.
Both suspects remain in police custody as the investigation continues, an official stated.
