Under-construction mosque razed in northern India

Demolition adds to growing concerns over religious discrimination, with hundreds of Islamic institutions already destroyed

NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Authorities in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh state have demolished an under-construction mosque in Bhojpur village, sparking outrage from the local Muslim community and drawing attention to a broader pattern of religious site demolitions across the region.

The demolition took place on May 29, when district officials accompanied by a heavy police presence arrived with bulldozers and tore down the structure, which had been under development since last year. According to residents, no formal warning was issued before the operation.

According to the Maktoob Media, the mosque, located in the Nakur block of Saharanpur district, had been used for prayer under temporary shelter since 2023. 

Local community members say construction had been paused for over a month and that earlier attempts to obtain official approval were either dismissed or ignored.

Former local council head Wajid Ali said the police had previously halted construction, citing the absence of formal approvals such as architectural plans. 

In February 2025, residents submitted an application to the district administration. While no written reply was received, an official from the local government reportedly told them they could proceed, describing the project as a “small religious structure.”

On the day of the demolition, senior administrative and police officials, including Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Subodh Kumar, arrived with demolition equipment and security forces from the Rapid Response Force (RRF).

Eyewitnesses said the structure’s ground floor was being developed when it was razed.

In a public statement, SDM Subodh Kumar said the mosque was being built without legal authorization and claimed prior notice had been issued. “Permission for the mosque construction was not obtained from the authorities, and therefore the construction was illegal. A notice was served, but they did not comply,” he said.

However, local leaders and residents dispute this claim. Imran Masood, a member of parliament from the opposition Congress party, said no notice was served in accordance with legal procedures. He also argued that under India’s Religious Endowments Act of 1863, constructing religious structures does not necessarily require prior government permission.

A notice dated May 7 was issued to 11 villagers, citing a police report that warned the mosque construction could “disturb peace” and cause “serious tension.” The notice threatened charges under sections of India’s new criminal procedure code if a satisfactory explanation was not provided.

The demolition is part of a broader campaign in Uttar Pradesh, where over 350 Islamic religious structures, including mosques, Islamic schools (madrassas), and Sufi shrines, have reportedly been demolished or targeted for legal action in recent weeks.