A controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal after police said posters carrying the words “I Love Mohammad” and a green flag were found inside a mosque that was demolished during an anti-encroachment drive.
The posters were reportedly recovered from the first floor of the Mustafa Qadri mosque in Kaserua village of the Nakhasa area, where the administration carried out a demolition operation on Saturday, claiming the structure stood on government cemetery land.
The mosque was demolished following a court order over alleged encroachment, but the recovery of the posters soon became the focus of the police investigation.
Police Launch Probe, FIR Filed
Krishna Kumar Bishnoi said the posters and flag had been seized and authorities were investigating who had printed and displayed them inside the mosque.
“We have taken the posters and flags into custody. It is being investigated who placed them there and for what purpose. Action will be taken after verification,” the police officer said.
According to reports, police later registered an FIR against seven people linked to the mosque committee after the matter came to light.
Additional Superintendent of Police Kuldeep Singh reportedly said legal action had been initiated under relevant sections after “objectionable material” was found during the sealing and demolition process.
Mosque Demolition Triggered by Land Dispute
The controversy began after the administration demolished the Mustafa Qadri mosque, alleging it had been built on around 120 square metres of land marked as a cemetery in revenue records.
Officials said the mosque committee failed to provide documents proving ownership during proceedings before the Tehsildar Court, which ordered the removal of the alleged encroachment. An appeal filed before the District Magistrate’s court also reportedly failed to secure relief.
Before demolition began, members of the Muslim community offered prayers at the mosque. Heavy police deployment remained in place throughout the operation.
MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq Reacts
The issue sparked a political response after Zia Ur Rehman Barq criticised the controversy around the posters and the demolition of the mosque.
Reacting to the matter, the MP reportedly said, “I will say ‘I Love Muhammad’. If you have courage, hang me.”
Local residents and mosque representatives have maintained that the mosque was decades old and had served worshippers in the village for generations.
