Saharanpur, September 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Uttar Pradesh administration on Saturday demolished a mosque located within the Collectorate complex in Saharanpur after a court rejected an appeal challenging an earlier order declaring the structure illegal.
A heavy police deployment was put in place at the site, with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), City Magistrate and other senior officials present as the demolition operation was carried out.
DIG Abhishek Singh said the structure had been found on government land within the District Collectorate premises. He said the City Magistrate had ordered its demolition and that the mosque committee’s first appeal against the order had been dismissed, upholding the original decision.
The action has triggered a political controversy in western Uttar Pradesh. Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan, who represents Kairana, was reportedly placed under house arrest on Saturday after planning to travel to Saharanpur to assess the situation and meet people affected by the demolition.
Congress MP Imran Masood, who had earlier raised concerns over the matter, criticised the administration and said he would challenge the action before higher courts.
Masood disputed the administration’s claim regarding ownership of the land and argued that revenue records continued to show the names of Waheed Khan and Yakub Khan. He also maintained that the mosque was registered with the Waqf Board and claimed that the authorities had not made the board a party to the proceedings.
Masood further argued that the mosque had been in existence for several decades and that religious activities had continued there. He alleged that the affected side had not been given sufficient time to pursue legal remedies.
Calling the demolition a violation of constitutional rights, Masood said the matter would be taken to the Allahabad High Court and the Supreme Court.
The dispute reportedly began last month when the City Magistrate declared the mosque illegal and ordered its removal. The Muslim side subsequently approached the District and Sessions Court, which initially stayed the demolition order. The stay was reportedly lifted after the court rejected the challenge on Friday, paving the way for Saturday’s action.
Following the demolition, access to the area was restricted and the mosque gate was locked. Police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel were deployed around the Collectorate, while a Rapid Reaction Force was also stationed to prevent any untoward incident.
The administration said maintaining peace and law and order remained its priority, with security tightened in Saharanpur and adjoining areas.
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