Saharanpur administration demolishes alleged illegal mosque after court rejects appeal

Authorities demolished an alleged illegal mosque on government land inside Saharanpur Collectorate after a court rejected the mosque committee’s appeal. The action triggered political tensions, with opposition leaders questioning the demolition and announcing plans to challenge the matter before higher courts

Saharanpur: The administration on Saturday demolished an illegal mosque located within the Collectorate complex in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, after the Muslim side’s appeal was rejected by the court. A large police force, along with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and City Magistrate, was deployed at the site before the administration began the demolition using a bulldozer.

Speaking to IANS, DIG Abhishek Singh said, “An illegal construction was found on government land located within the District Collectorate premises in District Saharanpur, as per the order of the City Magistrate’s court. Against this order, the masjid committee had filed a first appeal. Their appeal has been dismissed, and the order of the City Magistrate has been upheld. In accordance with this order, the demolition of this illegal construction is being carried out.”

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The demolition of the mosque has intensified political activity in the state, particularly in western Uttar Pradesh. Samajwadi Party MP, Iqra Hasan, was scheduled to travel to Saharanpur on Saturday morning, but she was placed under house arrest before she could leave. A large police contingent has been deployed outside her residence.

According to reports, Hasan, who represents the Kairana Lok Sabha constituency, had planned to visit Saharanpur following the demolition of the mosque to take stock of the situation and meet people affected by the action.

Besides Hasan, other Opposition leaders are also reportedly being closely monitored. Congress MP Imran Masood had earlier raised the issue and expressed concern over the administrative action. The development has further intensified the political debate in western Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking to IANS, Congress MP Imran Masood said, “Look, it’s not just about the mosque. It’s not just the mosque that has been affected; the law of the country and the Constitution are being violated. You cannot prove that the land belongs to you. Based on the Khasra records, you have claimed that this is government collectorate land. But even today, the collectorate land is recorded in the names of Waheed Khan and Yakub Khan, within whose zamindari the mosque was built. It is still registered in their names.

“The mosque is registered with the Waqf Board, but you did not make the Waqf Board a party. As far as Waqf by User is concerned, I was a member of the JPC, and Waqf by User establishes that it is a mosque. There are bills for it, prayers have been continuously offered there, and all these activities have been taking place.”

He further said, “That mosque has been there for the last 70 to 80 years. You had passed an order, and then the District Court passed its order within just one month. The appeal was heard and rejected. You neither listened to us nor gave us time. It is our fundamental right to raise this issue before a higher court, but you did not give us any time.”

“We had 22 years left. You did not give us any time and demolished the mosque. You did not demolish the mosque, but the Constitution. Those who have done this for political gains will be challenged. We will take this matter to the Supreme Court. We will fight for our rights and do everything possible. We will approach the Allahabad High Court and the Supreme Court as well. The government has no other work left. They are demolishing our mosques, killing our children, destroying our madrasas and indulging in Hindu-Muslim politics,” he told IANS.

The dispute dates back to last month, when the City Magistrate reportedly declared the mosque located within the Collectorate complex illegal and ordered its demolition. The Muslim side subsequently challenged the order before the District and Sessions Court.

The court had initially granted a stay on the City Magistrate’s demolition order. However, on Friday, the District and Sessions Court reportedly rejected the Muslim side’s plea, following which the administration proceeded with the demolition on Saturday.

Following the action, the mosque gate was locked and movement within the Collectorate premises was restricted as a security measure. Police personnel were deployed around the complex, and entry into the mosque premises was restricted.

The Collectorate complex has been placed under heavy security, with police personnel deployed on roads leading to the district headquarters. Several senior officials, including the Additional District Force (ADF) and City Superintendent of Police, are present at the site. Personnel from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Reaction Force (RRF) have also been deployed to prevent any untoward incident.

The administration said maintaining peace and ensuring law and order remain its top priorities. Security has consequently been tightened across Saharanpur and adjoining areas, with police remaining on alert to respond to any situation.