Saharanpur mosque demolished as authorities enforce court order, security tightened

A mosque inside the Saharanpur Collectorate complex in Uttar Pradesh was demolished on Saturday, days after a District Judge’s court upheld an earlier order declaring the structure illegal and built on government land.

The demolition began early in the morning amid heavy security. JCB machines, dumpers and other equipment had been brought into the Collectorate premises during the night. Senior police and administrative officials were present as the structure was removed.

Saharanpur Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Abhishek Singh said the City Magistrate’s court had found the mosque illegally built on government land. The Mosque Committee had challenged that order, but its appeal was dismissed by the District Judge’s court.

Collectorate sealed amid tight security

Authorities sealed all five gates of the Collectorate and barred outsiders from entering the complex. Police presence was increased in the surrounding areas, with additional personnel brought in from other districts.

The Rapid Action Force (RAF) was also deployed as a precautionary measure. Officials said the police administration and Local Intelligence Unit had assessed the law-and-order situation ahead of the demolition.

The security arrangements were stepped up from Friday evening following intelligence inputs and the assessment of the situation in the district.

Court proceedings led to demolition

The dispute began with a complaint filed by Vikas Tyagi, former provincial convenor of the Bajrang Dal. A petition under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act was subsequently filed 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 Rs 6.41 crore. The mosque side challenged the order before the District Judge’s court on July 20.

After hearings spread over 17 dates, the District Judge’s court on September 2 upheld the City Magistrate’s order and dismissed the petition. The administration then proceeded with the demolition.

Iqra Hasan reportedly placed under house arrest

Meanwhile, Kairana MP Iqra Hasan was reportedly placed under house arrest at her residence before she could travel to Saharanpur over the demolition.

Hasan said a large police force arrived as she was preparing to leave and alleged that she was prevented from meeting officials.

“To prevent me from going to Saharanpur last night, a large police force was deployed at my Kairana residence and I was placed under house arrest,” Hasan said.

Questioning the move, she asked whether an elected representative could be stopped from meeting government officials over issues concerning people in her constituency.

“In a democracy, public representatives are elected to raise the voice of the people. That voice cannot be suppressed by stopping me,” she said.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also criticised the reported action, saying, “Maintaining harmony is the government’s greatest responsibility and also its achievement,” Yadav tweeted.