2 hrs ago
Saharanpur Mosque Demolished After Appeal Dismissed, MPs Protest
A mosque inside a government office complex in Saharanpur was demolished on September 5.
Officials said a court had decided that it was an unauthorised structure on government land.
The City Magistrate had ordered its removal in July and imposed about ₹6.41 crore in compensation.
The mosque committee appealed, but that appeal was rejected on September 4.
Congress MP Imran Masood criticised the demolition and said the committee would seek help from higher courts.
Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan said police stopped her from travelling to Saharanpur to meet officials.
Police said they followed legal procedures and increased security to prevent unrest and rumours.
Supporters of the mosque disputed the administration’s claims about the land and the legal process.
A mosque inside the Saharanpur Collectorate complex was demolished on September 5 after an appeal against its removal was dismissed the previous day.
Authorities said the City Magistrate had declared the structure illegal and located on 315 square metres of government land.
The July order directed demolition and imposed approximately ₹6.41 crore in compensation for alleged unauthorised occupation.
Congress MP Imran Masood called the action a “black day” and said the matter would be challenged in the Allahabad High Court and Supreme Court.
Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan said police prevented her from travelling from Kairana, while authorities cited security concerns and festival-related risks.
- Who
- The Saharanpur administration and police, the mosque management committee, Congress MP Imran Masood, and Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan were involved.
- What
- A mosque in the Saharanpur Collectorate complex was demolished after an appeal against a City Magistrate’s demolition order was dismissed.
- Where
- The demolition occurred inside the Saharanpur Collectorate complex in Uttar Pradesh; Iqra Hasan said she was stopped at her residence in Kairana.
- When
- The City Magistrate’s order was dated July 17, 2026; the appeal was dismissed on September 4, 2026, and the demolition took place on September 5, 2026.
- Why
- Authorities said the mosque was an illegal encroachment on government land, while its supporters disputed the land claim and said further legal remedies had not been adequately available.
Mosque Supporters and Opposition Leaders
Administration and Police
Legality and land ownership
Mosque Supporters and Opposition Leaders
Imran Masood disputed the administration’s land claim, saying records still named Wahid Khan and Yaqub Khan. He also said the mosque was registered with the Waqf Board, which he alleged was not made a party to the proceedings.
Administration and Police
Police said the City Magistrate’s court found that the mosque was an illegal structure built on government land inside the Collectorate complex.
Opportunity for further appeals
Mosque Supporters and Opposition Leaders
Masood and Samajwadi Party leaders questioned the speed of the demolition after the appeal was dismissed and said the mosque committee should have had adequate opportunity to pursue remedies in higher courts.
Administration and Police
Police said the mosque committee had filed an appeal, but it was dismissed, leaving the City Magistrate’s order in force.
Restrictions on elected representatives
Mosque Supporters and Opposition Leaders
Iqra Hasan said police placed her under house arrest at her Kairana residence and prevented her from travelling to Saharanpur to meet officials. Samajwadi Party leaders called the alleged restriction undemocratic.
Administration and Police
Authorities said preventive security measures were necessary because the demolition involved a sensitive location, coincided with festivals, and carried a risk of unrest and rumours.
Key facts
- Location
- Saharanpur Collectorate complex, Uttar Pradesh
- Demolition date
- September 5, 2026
- Original order
- A City Magistrate’s order dated July 17 directed demolition and imposed approximately ₹6.41 crore in compensation.
- Land cited in proceedings
- The structure was alleged to occupy 315 square metres of government land.
- Appeal outcome
- The mosque committee’s appeal was dismissed by the District Judge’s court on September 4.
- Administration’s position
- Police said the structure was illegally constructed on government land and that legal procedures were followed.
- Security measures
- Five additional companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary and Rapid Action Force were deployed, with monitoring at sensitive locations and online.
Quotes
Abhishek Singh
Saharanpur Deputy Inspector General of Police
“The mosque was demolished by surrounding the area from all sides, confining people to their homes. We will fight this battle within the legal framework… let no one think that by demolishing the mosque, they have accomplished some great feat… the actions you are initiating today against us, you will eventually turn against others… today is a black day for the people of Saharanpur.”
news18.com
“A large police force was deployed at my Kairana residence overnight, and I was placed under house arrest to prevent me from going to Saharanpur. I intended to visit Saharanpur to meet officials regarding the Collectorate mosque issue and to voice the concerns of the people of my constituency, but I was not even allowed to leave my home.”
news18.com
thestatesman.com
Sources
‘Illegal’ Mosque Demolished In Saharanpur; Opposition Calls It ‘Undemocratic’, SP MP Claims House Arrest
Saharanpur Mosque Demolished: Imran Masood Slams Demolition Action | Iqra Hassan House Arrest|News18
Bulldozers raze Saharanpur mosque; Congress MP vows court battle, Kairana MP allegedly stopped from visiting
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