Opposition Slams UP Govt Over Saharanpur Mosque Demolition

AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi said, "The fact that they cordoned off the area and demolished the mosque at 5am proves that the BJP's Yogi government did not want the matter to reach a higher court because they were in the wrong. This demonstrates that the BJP, the prime minister, and the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh harbour a hatred for the very word mosque. That is why the mere sight of a mosque triggers fear in their hearts and minds. The BJP government in Uttar Pradesh and the BJP party itself are effectively dismantling the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion specifically for Muslims," to news agency ANI.

Akhilesh Questions Demolition Timing

SP president Akhilesh Yadav was among leaders who challenged the decision, stating that the matter was one which could have been heard in a higher court.

"Could justice not have been found in the high court? Could they not have appealed to the Supreme Court? Officials colluded at the government's behest to execute this action specifically to prevent them from securing justice in a higher court. You are snatching away people's right to justice; that is why I said there are only a hundred days left," he said.

Mosque Demolished Early Saturday

The mosque was demolished early Saturday after the court dismissed the plea of the Mosque Committee against demolition order. The Collectorate was declared a no-go zone by blocking all five entry points with officials present on premises as administration deployed armed police to prevent entry of the public. JCBs, dumpers and other demolition machines and instruments were deployed into the Collectorate compound after dusk. 

Saharanpur DIG, Abhishek Singh, in a statement said that the City Magistrate's Court declared the building illegal and encroached on government land, the court dismissed the application filed by mosque Committee and then demolition took place. He also said that adequate precautions have been taken for security, law and order.

Mosque Committee Fined Rs 6.41 Crore

The court had in September directed demolition of the mosque saying it is illegally occupying government land, along with a fine of around Rs 6.41 crore.

Former provincial coordinator of Bajrang Dal Vikas Tyagi alleged that the mosque inside DM compound has been illegally constructed. Further he has appealed to authorities to stop using that site for commercial activity also and renting out shops or post offices at the DM compound with a committee accepting donation or rent amount.