Saharanpur authorities demolish ‘illegal’ mosque; SP MP Iqra Hasan prevented from reaching site
Authorities in Saharanpur, India, demolished a mosque located within a government complex after a court declared it illegal. The incident led to the house arrest of opposition MP Iqra Hasan, sparking political tension between the Samajwadi Party and the BJP.
Why it matters
The event highlights ongoing communal and political friction in India ahead of upcoming state elections, raising concerns about civil rights and religious site management.
Local authorities in Saharanpur demolished a mosque located inside the District Magistrate’s office complex on Saturday (September 5, 2026), in the presence of the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and the City Magistrate, amid a heavy police presence.
The Court of the City Magistrate declared the mosque illegal last month and issued an order for its demolition.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: An illegal mosque, constructed within the Collectorate premises in Saharanpur, being demolished in the presence of SDM, City Magistrate and Police Force. The Court of City Magistrate had declared the mosque illegal last month and issued an order for its… pic.twitter.com/6Z8ZMLqVFd
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