Saharanpur Mosque Demolition: Bulldozers Move In After Court Order

A mosque located inside the Saharanpur Collectorate complex was partially demolished by the district administration early Saturday after a court upheld an order declaring the structure illegal, triggering political protests and security measures in the city.

Officials deployed multiple bulldozers to remove the structure from the government premises. Police and security personnel were positioned around the site, while access to the demolition area was restricted. The action has drawn opposition from several political leaders, including BSP chief Mayawati and Congress MP Imran Masood, while authorities said the required legal process had been completed before the demolition.

Mosque Demolition Begins Early Saturday

According to officials, the demolition operation began around 4 am on September 5. Six bulldozers were deployed and a substantial portion of the structure had been removed during the morning.

The mosque was reportedly spread over roughly 3,300 square feet and included two floors, with halls and rooms on both levels. One of the rooms was being used as a post office, according to the allegations cited in the complaint against the structure.

Security was tightened around the Collectorate premises to prevent any untoward incident during the operation.

Police Deploy PAC and RAF Personnel

Saharanpur DIG Abhishek Singh said the mosque had been declared an illegal construction on government land by the City Magistrate's Court.

He said the mosque side had challenged that decision before the district court, but the appeal was subsequently rejected and the City Magistrate's order was upheld.

According to the police, five companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed in Saharanpur in view of the festival season. Police teams were also conducting foot patrols and flag marches in sensitive areas.

Dispute Began With Complaint in 2025

The dispute over the structure dates back to February 10, 2025, when former Bajrang Dal state convenor Vikas Tyagi submitted a complaint to the district magistrate, alleging that the mosque had been illegally constructed inside the Collectorate premises.

The complaint also alleged that rooms within the premises were being rented out and that a post office was operating from part of the structure.

Following the complaint, the district administration ordered an inquiry. The administration subsequently approached the City Magistrate's Court in March 2025 seeking action against the structure.

Court Orders Removal of Structure

On July 16, 2026, the City Magistrate's Court reportedly declared the mosque illegal and ordered its removal. The order also directed recovery of approximately ₹6.41 crore as compensation, while the occupants were given time to comply.

The mosque side challenged the order before the district court on July 20.

On July 24, the district court stayed the City Magistrate's order while the matter was being considered. However, on September 2, District Judge Satendra Kumar's court dismissed the mosque side's petition and upheld the earlier order.

Police and administration officials have cited this sequence of orders while defending the demolition action.

Imran Masood Says Matter Will Go to High Court

Congress MP Imran Masood opposed the demolition and said the matter would be challenged in the High Court.

He had appealed to people to remain calm after reports circulated on Friday night that the administration was preparing to demolish the mosque. Masood urged supporters not to engage in any activity that could create further problems.

After the demolition began, he reiterated his opposition to the action and said the legal route would be pursued.

Mayawati Calls for Action to Be Stopped

BSP chief Mayawati also criticised the demolition.

She said the government should immediately stop the action and argued that proceeding with the demolition in haste was not appropriate.

The issue has therefore become a political as well as a legal dispute, with opposition leaders questioning the timing and manner of the administration's action while officials maintain that the demolition followed court decisions.

MP Ikra Hasan Placed Under House Arrest

Kairana MP Ikra Hasan was also stopped by police while travelling towards Saharanpur and was placed under house arrest, according to reports.

Hasan objected to being prevented from travelling to the area and questioned the police personnel about the restrictions. Police cited the ongoing Janmashtami celebrations and the security situation while asking her not to proceed.

Other political figures also reacted to the development, while former MP Haji Fazlur Rehman described the demolition as unlawful and said the mosque side had been preparing to approach the High Court.

Administration Cites Completed Legal Process

The administration has maintained that the demolition was carried out only after the available legal remedies cited by officials had been exhausted.

The police said notices, proceedings before the magistrate and the subsequent appeal had all taken place before the removal operation began.

With political leaders announcing further legal challenges and the demolition drawing attention across Uttar Pradesh, the matter is likely to remain under legal and political scrutiny.