The demolition of a mosque within the Saharanpur Collectorate complex in Uttar Pradesh commenced early Saturday morning. This action follows a recent ruling by a District Judge’s court, which upheld an order declaring the mosque illegal. In preparation for the demolition, authorities secured the area by sealing all five gates and deploying heavy security forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF).
Demolition of Mosque Structure Underway in Saharanpur
Early Saturday morning, the demolition of a mosque structure began at the Collectorate premises in Saharanpur, following a court ruling that deemed the building illegal. JCB machines and other heavy equipment were brought in overnight, and the operation commenced under strict security measures, with senior police and administrative officials overseeing the process.
According to Saharanpur Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Abhishek Singh, the City Magistrate’s court had found the mosque to be illegally constructed on government land. The Mosque Committee’s appeal against the demolition was dismissed, allowing the operation to proceed. Singh confirmed that all necessary precautions were taken to maintain law and order during the demolition.
In preparation for the operation, the Collectorate complex was placed under heightened security. All five entry points were sealed, restricting access to outsiders. Additionally, police presence in surrounding areas was increased, with personnel from other districts deployed to assist.
The police and Local Intelligence Unit had conducted thorough assessments of the situation throughout the district prior to the demolition, leading to increased police activity around the Collectorate from late Friday evening. This action follows a September 2 order from the District Judge’s court, which upheld the earlier decision of the City Magistrate’s court regarding the mosque’s status.
The dispute dates back to a complaint filed by Vikas Tyagi, former provincial convenor of the Bajrang Dal. Following the complaint, a petition under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act was filed before the City Magistrate’s court on March 24, 2025.
