Madrasa wall in Delhi’s Pitampura demolished by mob led by BJP MLA

A mob allegedly led by Karnail Singh demolished a structure in Delhi’s Pitampura area. He described it as an “illegal madrasa” built on land belonging to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

The incident took place on May 21, when Singh, accompanied by around 80 to 100 supporters and individuals linked to Hindutva organisations, arrived at the site and tore down a boundary wall that was under construction.

Videos circulating from the scene showed crowds raising slogans and demolishing the structure while Singh allegedly recorded and shared the incident on Facebook, Maktoob Media reported.

Residents and eyewitnesses alleged that the demolition was accompanied by anti-Muslim remarks, with abusive language directed at the community. According to reports, some members of the crowd also labelled children studying in madrasas as “terrorists”.

Singh claimed that the structure was an illegal madrasa constructed on DDA land and asserted that a court had ordered the property to be vacated. However, local police reportedly stated that the construction involved only a four-to-five-foot boundary wall built over the past two months and noted that the ownership dispute over the land was currently pending before the High Court.

According to reports, Singh said he had waited for authorities to act for four months and decided to intervene when no action was taken. He also claimed to possess documents proving that the land belonged to the DDA and said he was prepared to take responsibility for the demolition.

A mosque located about 100 metres away from the disputed site was reportedly not touched during the incident. The mosque committee also clarified that it had no connection with the demolished structure.

Despite videos showing a large crowd participating in the demolition, reports said no police action had yet been taken against those allegedly involved.

The Supreme Court of India had ruled in November 2024 that so-called “bulldozer justice” was unconstitutional, observing that demolitions carried out without due legal process violated the rule of law. However, reports noted that incidents involving alleged extra-legal demolitions and vigilantism linked to Hindutva mobilisation have continued to emerge in different parts of the country.