Sambhal: A mosque in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district was demolished by the administration in a late-night bulldozer operation after officials alleged that it had been illegally constructed on government land.
The structure, identified as the Mustafa Qadri Mosque, located in Kaserwa village under the jurisdiction of Nakhasa police station, was completely demolished using two bulldozers.
According to officials, the land on which the mosque was built was recorded as Gram Sabha land reserved for a graveyard, making the construction unauthorised. Authorities said a portion of the mosque had already been removed earlier, while the remaining structure was brought down during the latest action.
The demolition took place as a delegation from the Indian National Congress arrived in the village to inspect the earlier bulldozer action.
The Congress team said it would prepare a report after reviewing the situation and submit it to the state leadership. The timing of the demolition has added a political dimension to the issue, with opposition parties questioning the administration’s action.
Zia-ur-Rehman Barq strongly criticised the demolition, claiming that the land belonged to the Waqf Board and not the government. “The land is Waqf property. The administration’s action is wrong, and we will challenge it in court,” Barq said.
The Samajwadi Party and Congress have also accused the administration of acting in haste and without following proper legal procedures.
Local reports claimed that after the Congress delegation left the village, the administration intensified the operation and began clearing the debris of the demolished mosque.
Videos showing bulldozers pulling down the remaining portions of the mosque and clearing the rubble went viral on social media, drawing strong reactions.
During the demolition drive, officials said posters carrying the words “I Love Mohammad” were found inside the mosque premises. Police registered a separate case regarding the posters and launched an investigation.
Officials said the case was filed on the instructions of the Superintendent of Police, and the matter is currently under review.