Saharanpur: A mosque located inside the Saharanpur Collectorate complex in Uttar Pradesh was demolished on Saturday after a District Judge’s court upheld an earlier order declaring the structure illegal and directing action against its occupation of government land. The demolition was carried out amid tight security, with the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and additional police personnel deployed to prevent any disruption to law and order.
JCB machines, dumpers and other demolition equipment were brought into the Collectorate premises during the night. The administration began removing the structure early Saturday morning in the presence of senior police and administrative officials.
Saharanpur Deputy Inspector General of Police Abhishek Singh said the City Magistrate’s court had found the structure to have been illegally constructed on government land. He said the Mosque Committee’s appeal against the order was subsequently dismissed, clearing the legal path for the administration to proceed with the demolition.
The entire Collectorate complex was secured before the operation. All five entry gates were sealed, outsiders were barred from entering the premises, and additional forces were deployed in and around the area. Police and intelligence officials had assessed the law-and-order situation in advance and increased surveillance following inputs regarding the sensitive nature of the matter.
Court proceedings preceded demolition
The demolition followed a September 2 order of the District Judge’s court, which upheld the earlier decision of the City Magistrate’s court.
The dispute originated with a complaint filed by Vikas Tyagi, former provincial convenor of the Bajrang Dal. Subsequently, proceedings under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act were initiated before the City Magistrate’s court on March 24, 2025.
On July 16, 2026, the City Magistrate’s court declared the mosque illegal and imposed a penalty of ₹6.41 crore. The mosque committee challenged the decision before the District Judge’s court on July 20.
The matter was heard on 17 dates before the District Judge’s court delivered its decision on September 2. By dismissing the challenge and upholding the City Magistrate’s order, the court effectively cleared the way for the administration to enforce the decision.
The subsequent demolition therefore came after the completion of the judicial process described by authorities, rather than as an immediate administrative action.
Iqra Hasan placed under house arrest
Meanwhile, Kairana Lok Sabha MP Iqra Hasan was reportedly placed under house arrest before she could travel to Saharanpur. Hasan said a large police contingent arrived at her residence while she was preparing to leave for the district.
The MP questioned the restriction, saying elected representatives should be able to raise issues concerning people in their constituencies. The Samajwadi Party also criticised the state government over the reported house arrest.
However, authorities maintained heightened security throughout the demolition operation, citing the sensitivity of the matter and the need to prevent any disturbance.
With the District Judge’s court having upheld the City Magistrate’s findings, the administration proceeded with the removal of the structure from the Collectorate premises on Saturday.
