New Delhi, May 10 (IANS): Delhi Police on Tuesday detained over a dozen United Hindu Front (UHF) activists who were chanting Hanuman Chalisa at the Qutab Minar here.

Amidst the ongoing loudspeaker row, the Hindu Organisation -- United Hindu Front -- had announced to recite Hanuman Chalisa on the premises of the minaret on Tuesday along with other Hindu groups.

In view of the announcement, a large number of Delhi police and CAPF personnel were deployed outside the historic monument since morning.

Jaibhagwan Goyal, working president of UHF, had given a call for the protest. Goyal had urged other Hindu groups to join the chanting of Hanuman Chalisa in the complex.

While exclusively speaking to IANS, Goyal said that he has been under house arrest since morning at his Shahdhara residence. "At least 10-15 police personnel are outside my house. They are not allowing me to leave,"the UHF president said.

The right-wing group is demanding that the mosque inside the Qutab Minar be declared a temple and permission given for chanting of Hanuman Chalisa on its premises. It has sought rechristening of Qutab Minar as 'Vishnu Stambh'.

As the activists reached the historic minaret and proceeded to recite Hanuman Chalisa, they were detained by police at Bhul Bhulaiya, outside the complex. They have reportedly been taken to the nearest Mehrauli Police station.