Saharanpur administration orders demolition of illegal mosque in DM office complex, f
Saharanpur administration orders demolition of illegal mosque in DM office complex, fines Rs 6.41 crore
M.U.H
17/07/202611
The City Magistrate’s court in Saharanpur has ordered the demolition of an illegal mosque situated within the District Magistrate (DM) office complex and imposed a fine exceeding Rs 6 crore on its occupants.
The action ensued after Vikas Tyagi, former provincial coordinator of Bajrang Dal, filed a complaint alleging the mosque’s construction within the DM office premises, a sensitive area housing confidential government operations.
The complaint further stated that the site was used for commercial activities in addition to religious purposes. It was alleged that a post office operated from the location and several rooms were rented out to outsiders, with the mosque committee collecting monthly rent.
Following a detailed hearing, City Magistrate Kuldeep Singh issued orders for the immediate demolition of the illegal structure and imposed a fine of approximately Rs 6.41 crore on the occupants for illegal encroachment and misuse of government property.
The administration indicated that the measures were necessary to safeguard the security and confidentiality of the government office.
Several illegally constructed religious structures have been demolished across Uttar Pradesh in recent times. In February last year, a portion of the Madni Mosque in Kushinagar district was demolished for allegedly being built on encroached land.
The mosque’s caretaker stated that the Muslim community had purchased the land about a year ago to construct the mosque and denied any encroachment.
The mosque committee challenged the demolition in the High Court and obtained a stay order until February 8. After the stay expired on February 9, authorities resumed the demolition.
Subsequently, the Supreme Court issued a notice to Uttar Pradesh government officials on a contempt petition regarding the partial demolition of the Madni mosque. The petition alleged that the action violated a November 13, 2024, order preventing demolition actions nationwide without prior notice and an opportunity for a hearing.
