The demolition of an illegal mosque began during the early hours of Saturday in UP’s Saharanpur, after a district judge court decided to uphold a previous order. The operation started with heavy security deployed across the Collectorate premises. Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan claimed that she was put under house arrest as she was heading to leave for Saharanpur to discuss the demolition of the religious structure.
Administrative officials, including the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and City Magistrate, were present as bulldozers initiated the demolition. Security forces included a significant number of police personnel and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and all gates to the complex were closed as a precaution.
What’s the case?
In 2025, Bajrang Dal’s former provincial convener, Vikas Tyagi, filed a complaint stating that a mosque built within the Collectorate complex was illegal. The complex was also being used for commercial purposes, posing a security threat to the Collectorate complex, he added. The case had been pending in the City Magistrate Court for over a year.
On July 17, the City Magistrate court declared the mosque illegal. Subsequently, the District Judge's Court, in its order three days ago, upheld the City Magistrate's order.
Iqra Hasan Under House Arrest?
MP Iqra Hasan claimed that she was placed under house arrest as she was leaving for Saharanpur amid the demolition drive. A large police force arrived at her residence and prevented her from leaving her house, Hasan said
Hasan claimed she wanted to meet with officials at the Saharanpur Collectorate regarding the mosque issue. She wanted to present the voices of the people of the area to the administration. She alleged that she has been placed under house arrest to prevent her from going to Saharanpur.
Congress MP Imran Masood Reacts
On the demolition of the Saharanpur mosque, Congress MP Imran Masood says, "Look, it’s not just about the mosque. It’s not just the mosque that has been affected; the law of the country and the Constitution are being violated. You cannot prove that the land belongs to you. Based on the Khasra records, you have claimed that this is government collectorate land. But even today, the collectorate land is recorded in the names of Waheed Khan and Yakub Khan, within whose zamindari the mosque was built. It is still registered in their names.
The mosque is registered with the Waqf Board, but you did not make the Waqf Board a party. As far as Waqf by User is concerned, I was a member of the JPC, and Waqf by User establishes that it is a mosque. There are bills for it, prayers have been continuously offered there, and all these activities have been taking place.
Mayawati Reacts To Demolition
Bahuijan Samajwadi Party Chief Mayawati criticised the demolition and claimed "it's not right"."Keeping this in mind, and in accordance with Indian traditions, it is necessary to extend respect to them in the larger public and national interest," she added. Sharing an X postl Mayawati wrote, "The government campaign of demolishing mosques across Uttar Pradesh, including the mosque in Saharanpur district, by declaring them illegal in haste and amid considerable confusion is not right. To avoid such negative circumstances, the government should immediately stop this and certainly explore other ways to resolve the matter. In any case, a constitutional secular government has the responsibility to equally respect and protect people of all religions, as well as their religious places and institutions. In Islam, mosques are an essential and integral part of worship, where prayers are offered every day, several times a day, in congregation.
Keeping this in mind, and in accordance with Indian traditions, it is necessary to extend respect to them in the larger public and national interest. Along with this, people are also quite disturbed by actions in which the house of an accused is demolished without proper compliance with rules and laws, thereby collectively punishing the entire family and leaving them homeless. In such circumstances, there is a need for a practice of the kind followed by the BSP government-‘rule of law through law.’ Therefore, it would be appropriate if not only the government but also the Hon’ble courts pay due attention to this matter. However, in such circumstances, the party also appeals to everyone to maintain a harmonious and peaceful environment, " news agency ANI reported.