Many mosques in Kolkata and adjoining areas did not broadcast the Friday call to prayer on August 14, according to the report, which said some worshippers were unable to join prayers properly. The report linked the situation to alleged removal of mosque loudspeakers and said fear and frustration had spread among Muslims. It also alleged that the BJP government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had stopped road prayers.

An imam from Park Circus alleged that loudspeakers were being taken away and urged people to raise the national flag at home on Independence Day, August 15. At the Calcutta High Court, lawyer Kalyan Banerjee alleged that police assistance was used to remove loudspeakers from about 4,000 mosques without written notice, acting only on verbal instructions.

The state’s Additional Advocate General disputed the case’s basis, saying police had issued no such removal order and that no specific evidence or officer had been identified. The court sought detailed information on affected districts and mosques and asked whether sound rules for the call to prayer were being followed. The next hearing is scheduled for August 18, with the state directed to state its position beforehand. The chief minister said 4,200 mosques and 1,096 temples had their loudspeakers removed under 2020 guidelines.