Daijiworld Media Network – Saharanpur
Saharanpur, Sep 5: A mosque located inside the District Magistrate’s office complex in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur was demolished in an overnight operation after authorities declared the structure an illegal encroachment on government land.
The demolition was carried out following an order by City Magistrate Kuldeep Singh, who also imposed a fine of around Rs 6.41 crore on those occupying the premises.
The action followed a complaint by Vikas Tyagi, a former provincial coordinator of the Bajrang Dal, who alleged that the mosque had been constructed illegally within the government office complex. The complaint further alleged that parts of the premises were being used for commercial purposes, including a post office and rooms rented to outsiders, with rent being collected by the mosque committee.
The district administration said the encroachment and activities on the premises posed concerns related to the security and confidentiality of the government office.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan alleged that she was placed under house arrest at her residence in Kairana after police prevented her from travelling to Saharanpur.
Hasan said she had planned to meet officials and raise concerns regarding the demolition. She questioned whether an elected public representative could be prevented from meeting officials over issues concerning people in her constituency.
“In a democracy, public representatives are elected to raise the voice of the people. That voice cannot be suppressed by stopping me,” she said.
The Samajwadi Party criticised the Uttar Pradesh government over the development. Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said maintaining communal harmony was the government’s greatest responsibility.
The demolition comes amid a series of actions in Uttar Pradesh against religious structures that authorities have described as illegal constructions or encroachments on government land.
Such demolition drives have also faced legal challenges over compliance with judicial safeguards.