A mosque structure in Peharuwala village of Bijnor was demolished late Friday night after local authorities said it was being constructed without official permission.
The action was carried out in the presence of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), police officials, and administrative teams, who used bulldozers to remove the structure. Heavy police presence remained at the site to prevent any law-and-order issue.
Complaint by Hindu Group Led to Probe
According to officials, the mosque was being built for nearly a month with what locals described as mutual understanding among villagers. However, the matter came to the administration’s notice after members of the Hindu Raksha Dal objected to the construction and reached the site.
The group later submitted a complaint to the SDM, alleging that the mosque was being built without legal approval.
Following the complaint, authorities launched an inquiry and reportedly found that no formal permission had been obtained for the construction.
Muslim Community Began Removing Structure
Officials said that after talks between both sides, members of the Muslim community themselves began dismantling parts of the structure before the administration arrived.
Later, around 9 pm, the administration used bulldozers to remove the remaining portion.
Circle Officer Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed that the structure was removed after discussions and said it had been built without permission.
“The mosque was under construction without official approval. After talks between both sides, it was removed,” he said.
Tensions Around Religious Structures Continue in UP
The demolition adds to a series of recent actions against alleged unauthorised religious structures in Uttar Pradesh, including mosques, madrassas, and Eidgahs.
Such bulldozer actions have sparked political debate and criticism, particularly from Muslim groups and opposition parties, who have questioned whether these actions are being applied equally across communities.
In recent months, similar demolitions in places like Sambhal and Mathura have led to protests and allegations of selective targeting.
