Archive · 6 Sep 2026
ASI To Examine Well Found After Saharanpur Mosque Demolition
A mosque inside a government complex in Saharanpur was demolished after a court rejected an appeal.
After the demolition, workers found a well that is about 20 feet deep.
Officials have asked the Archaeological Survey of India to study it.
The well has been covered while police and administrators stay at the site.
Officials say the demolition followed a court order.
Congress leaders say the building was old and that the affected people were not given enough time to seek further legal help.
They also accuse the government of trying to increase tension between religious communities.
The BJP and JD-U say rules should apply to all buildings, regardless of religion.
A previous Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind leader described such demolitions as instruments of revenge and prejudice.
A 20-foot-deep well was discovered after a mosque was demolished inside the Saharanpur Collectorate complex.
The demolition occurred on Saturday after a court rejected an appeal by the Muslim side.
The Archaeological Survey of India will inspect the well before officials comment on its significance.
Police and administrative officials remain at the site, and the well has been covered.
Opposition leaders allege procedural violations and political motives, while the BJP and JD-U defend the action as lawful.
- Who
- Officials from the Archaeological Survey of India, Saharanpur administrators, the BJP, Congress, JD-U, and representatives of the Muslim side are involved or have commented.
- What
- A mosque was demolished and a 20-foot-deep well was discovered; the ASI will inspect the well.
- When
- The demolition took place on Saturday, and the reports were published on September 6, 2026.
- Where
- Inside the Saharanpur Collectorate complex in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- Officials said the demolition followed a court order after an appeal by the Muslim side was rejected; the Opposition disputes the process and alleged motive.
Opposition and Muslim-side concerns
Government and supporting parties
Legality and legal process
Opposition and Muslim-side concerns
Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput said an approximately 100-year-old building could not simply be considered illegal and alleged that the affected party was not given time to approach the Supreme Court or permission to approach the High Court.
Government and supporting parties
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate said the demolition was conducted in accordance with a court order after the appeal was rejected. The BJP said the action strictly followed the law.
Political motive
Opposition and Muslim-side concerns
Rajput alleged that the demolition was carried out at the government and administration’s direction to create communal tension and polarisation between Hindus and Muslims.
Government and supporting parties
The BJP rejected the criticism by maintaining that the demolition was a legally authorized action. JD-U National General Secretary Shyam Rajak said law should take precedence over religion when any religious building violates regulations.
Meaning of demolition drives
Opposition and Muslim-side concerns
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President Arshad Madani said bulldozers used against allegedly illegal properties are increasingly viewed as tools of revenge, prejudice, and hatred rather than justice.
Government and supporting parties
Shyam Rajak argued that demolitions carried out in accordance with legal rules should be welcomed, regardless of whether the structure is a mosque, temple, or church.
- Well depth
- 20 feet
- Location
- Saharanpur Collectorate complex, Uttar Pradesh
- Inspection agency
- Archaeological Survey of India
- Demolition timing
- Saturday, before September 6, 2026
- Legal basis cited by officials
- A court order following rejection of the Muslim side’s appeal
- Current site status
- The well is covered, with police and administrative officials present
- Political dispute
- Opposition leaders question the demolition’s legality and timing; the BJP says it complied with the law
