- UP court has ordered the demolition of an allegedly illegal mosque situated within the premises of the District Magistrate (DM) office in Saharanpur and imposed a penalty of ₹6.41 crore on the occupants.
- The order was issued after a complaint was lodged by Vikas Tyagi, former provincial coordinator of Bajrang Dal.
- The complaint alleged that the mosque was built inside a sensitive government zone where confidential administrative work was being carried out.
- It was also claimed that the property was being used for commercial activities, including the operation of a post office and renting out rooms to outsiders.
- City Magistrate Kuldeep Singh ordered the structure to be demolished with immediate effect after taking cognizance of the matter.
- The court's decision was based on the need to maintain the security and confidentiality of operations within the government office complex.
A local court in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has mandated the demolition of an illegal mosque located within the District Magistrate office complex, citing security concerns.16
The court, led by City Magistrate Kuldeep Singh, imposed a hefty ₹6.41 crore penalty on the mosque's occupants for illegal encroachment and misuse of government land.5
The order followed a complaint from Vikas Tyagi, former provincial coordinator of Bajrang Dal, who alleged that the mosque was constructed in a sensitive government zone where confidential administrative work is conducted.23
Tyagi's complaint detailed that the mosque was not only serving religious purposes but was also being used for commercial activities, including the operation of a post office and renting out rooms to outsiders, with the mosque committee collecting monthly rent.4
Officials stated that the mosque's presence compromised the security and confidentiality of the government office complex's operations, prompting the court's decisive action.
The demolition order reflects ongoing tensions regarding land use and religious structures in sensitive areas, highlighting the balance between community needs and government regulations.
“The complaint was filed by Vikas Tyagi, former provincial coordinator of Bajrang Dal, alleging the mosque was built within a sensitive government zone and used for commercial activities including a post office and rented rooms. City Magistrate Kuldeep Singh's order cited security concerns and directed immediate demolition.”
The Statesman
