Chicago – November 20, 2025
A 32-year-old man, identified as Mohammad Saleemuddin, was detained on Tuesday after local authorities reportedly questioned the informal religious lessons he had been giving to neighborhood children inside his rented home in the outskirts of Nagaon district.
According to residents of the area, Saleemuddin had been teaching basic Qur’anic recitation to a small group of children from his neighborhood for the past several months. The sessions, held in the evenings, typically involved five to seven students.
On Tuesday afternoon, a police team arrived at the residence following what officials described as a “community complaint.” Authorities entered the premises and questioned Saleemuddin before taking him into custody for further inquiry.
Police officials said the investigation is focused on whether the informal classes required prior registration or permissions under local guidelines.
“We are looking into procedural issues. No formal charges have been filed yet,” a police spokesperson said.
Family members, however, expressed distress over the sudden detention.
“He was only teaching children how to read the Qur’an. This is something elders have always done in our community,” said a relative who requested anonymity.
The incident has sparked concern among local community leaders and rights advocates, who have called for clarity regarding the rules governing small-scale religious instruction conducted inside private homes.
“If such teaching is peaceful, voluntary, and informal, detaining a teacher can create fear among minority communities,” said a representative of a local civil society group.
Authorities say Saleemuddin will be released after routine questioning unless violations are found. Meanwhile, community members gathered near the police station on Tuesday evening demanding transparency and a prompt resolution.
