A protest broke out in northwest Delhi’s Mangolpuri area, where a mosque was demolished due to alleged encroachment, leading to palpable tension in the locality. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) carried out the demolition drive, accompanied by a heavy police presence and a paramilitary company.
Reportedly, the demolition started in the early hours of Tuesday at 6:00 a.m. The demolition was based on the complaint lodged by Hindutva leader Preet Sirohi.
According to a police official, the MCD, along with the local police and a company of paramilitary personnel, reached the Y block of Mangolpuri in the morning to demolish illegal encroachment at the mosque.
While there were unconfirmed reports of stone pelting during the drive, the police denied any such incidents. Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer) Jimmy Chiram said some people objected to the demolition, but the situation was now under control.
Reportedly, the demolition was halted temporarily after a few walls because some parts of the enrichment were strong and needed heavy machinery
Mosques Demolition in Delhi
Sarai Kale Khan Mosque, June 13
In another incident, a 40-year-old mosque in Sarai Kale Khan was demolished on June 13, 2024, by civic authorities. A vacation bench comprising Justice Amit Sharma rejected the plea moved by Faizyab Masjid and Madrasa challenging the decision of the authorities on demolition.
However, the demolition was carried out after the caretaker withdrew his petition from the Delhi High Court and also sought to vacate religious premises within one month.
Akhunji Mosque, Mehrauli, January 30
Earlier, a 700-year-old mosque in Mehrauli on January 30, was demolished by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) during an anti-encroachment drive. The DDA also demolished an adjoining Islamic school housing 25 orphan children and several graves.
The DDA claimed the mosque was an “illegal structure” encroaching on a forest reserve. Meanwhile, the mosque’s management committee argued they had documentation proving the property belonged to the Delhi Waqf Board and there was a court order prohibiting the demolition.
Places of Worship cannot Hinder Development
In February 2023, a portion of the mosque was demolished in the heart of India, Delhi. The mosque was allegedly obstructing a public pathway in the city.
The demolition was carried out after an order passed by the Delhi High Court saying that places of worship cannot encroach on public land and hinder development activities for a larger segment of the public.
These demolitions have erupted outrage among the Muslim community and raised concerns over their religious freedom in India.
