Call for Inquiry: Saharanpur Mosque Demolition Sparks Controversy
Authorities said the 100-year-old structure was removed under court directions after an appeal was rejected, while police deployed extra forces and critics demanded a probe.
- On Saturday, authorities demolished a mosque inside the Saharanpur Collectorate in Uttar Pradesh after a district court dismissed an appeal declaring the structure unauthorized, conducting the operation before dawn under heavy security.
- The City Magistrate ordered demolition in July 2026 citing encroachment on government land; the Saharanpur District Judge's court upheld this decision on September 2 after hearing the mosque committee's appeal on 17 occasions.
- A century-old, 20-foot-deep well discovered beneath the site's debris on Sunday prompted an Archaeological Survey of India investigation; Provincial Armed Constabulary and Rapid Action Force personnel secured the area with multiple police deployments.
- Opposition leaders including Congress MP Imran Masood condemned the action as a "mockery of law and order," alleging the demolition occurred while legal remedies remained. Masood claimed the Constitution had been "torn to shreds."
- The demolition's timing, roughly four months before the 2027 Assembly election in Uttar Pradesh, led opposition parties to cite political motives. The BJP maintains the process strictly followed legal procedures and court directives.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Call for Inquiry: Saharanpur Mosque Demolition Sparks Controversy
Shia cleric Maulana Syed Kalbe Jawad Naqvi has demanded an investigation into the demolition of a mosque in Saharanpur. The mosque's removal, following a court order, has drawn criticism from political and religious leaders. Authorities assert the demolition adhered to legal procedures amid increasing tension.
Saharanpur mosque demolition: Maulana Syed Kalbe Jawad seeks thorough probe after meeting up DCM Brajesh Pathak
“We asked for a thorough investigation to be conducted, and for the decision to be made only after that," Maulana Syed Kalbe Jawad Naqvi said after his meeting with Pathak.
Pakistan condemns Saharanpur mosque demolition after court-backed action
Pakistan condemned the demolition of a mosque in Saharanpur after authorities acted on a court order. The demolition drew criticism from opposition leaders and Muslim organisations in India.
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