The demolition of an under-construction mosque in the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh by local authorities has triggered widespread anger and accusations of religious discrimination.
According to a report by Indian news outlet Aaj Tak, officials claim the construction was illegal and continued despite multiple warnings and notices.
However, critics argue the move reflects a broader pattern of targeted actions against minority communities.
Tehsildar Subodh Kumar, a local government official, defended the demolition, stating:
“The construction was illegal, carried out without approval or a sanctioned building plan. Notices were issued asking for compliance, but no action was taken. Hence, the structure was brought down. Any illegal construction will be dealt with in a similar manner.”
In response, Congress Member of Parliament Imran Masood sharply criticized the administration, calling the action “unilateral, illegal, and driven by a communal mindset.” He questioned the legitimacy of labeling the mosque illegal when it was being built on privately owned land. “When the land belongs to the community members themselves, how can the construction of a mosque be considered illegal?” he asked.
Masood further rejected the administration’s justification, saying:
“This mosque was being built on their own land, and they had already informed the authorities. In rural areas, there’s no concept of formally approved building plans.” He also noted the lack of transparency in the process: “When I tried to get clarity from officials, no one had answers. They all claimed ignorance. The reality is, the mosque was demolished without even providing a 15-day notice. Even if a notice was given, was there a hearing? Was any legal process followed? They simply sent bulldozers.”
Masood added that he deliberately refrained from visiting the site to protest in person, stating, “If we had gone there, they would have shot us in the chest. That’s why we will continue to raise our voices within the framework of the law.”
This incident comes amid growing concerns over administrative actions targeting minority communities in Uttar Pradesh. Human rights groups and political leaders have repeatedly criticized such demolitions as discriminatory and emblematic of rising religious intolerance. Masood indicated that legal action may be pursued, saying he is considering taking the matter to court to seek justice for the affected community.
The demolition has once again highlighted the tension between local governance, minority rights, and the rule of law in India’s most populous state.
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