India, Aug. 7 -- A political and religious controversy has erupted in West Bengal after several Muslim leaders alleged that police were pressuring mosques across the state to remove loudspeakers used for the azan, or Islamic call to prayer, in the name of enforcing noise pollution norms.

Several mosque committees claimed they received verbal instructions from local police stations asking them to dismantle or replace loudspeakers, triggering protests from sections of the Muslim community and political leaders.

Issue reaches Centre, CM to face questions

The controversy is set to dominate political discussions, with the Trinamool Congress faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee planning to raise the issue with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on...