Saharanpur: Illegal mosque inside DM office complex demolished under high security
Authorities in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, demolished a mosque located within a government office complex after a court ruled the structure was an illegal encroachment. The site was placed under heavy security during the operation following a legal challenge by a local activist.
Why it matters
The demolition reflects ongoing tensions and administrative actions regarding religious structures on government land in India, often carrying significant communal implications.
NEW DELHI: Authorities on Saturday demolished a mosque located inside the District Magistrate's office complex in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur after a court upheld an earlier order declaring the structure illegal.Senior administrative officials, including the District Magistrate and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, reached the site as bulldozers began demolishing the structure. The Collectorate complex was placed under heavy security, with Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel deployed and all gates shut as a precaution.The demolition came a day after the District Judge's court dismissed an appeal filed by the Muslim side challenging the City Magistrate's order.On September 4, the District Judge's court, after hearing arguments from both sides and examining the evidence presented, upheld the City Magistrate's order declaring the mosque illegal.The City Magistrate's court had on July 17 ordered the demolition of the mosque and imposed compensation of around Rs 6.41 crore on the occupants over alleged illegal…
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