A mosque in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district was demolished by the administration late at night after officials claimed it was built illegally on government land.
The structure, known as the Mustafa Qadri Mosque, located in Kaserwa village under Nakhasa police station limits, was completely pulled down using two bulldozers.
According to officials, the land where the mosque stood was marked as Gram Sabha land reserved for a graveyard, making the construction unauthorized.
Authorities said a part of the mosque had already been removed earlier, while the remaining structure was demolished during the latest action.
Demolition During Congress Team Visit Sparks Political Row
The demolition took place as a delegation from Indian National Congress reached the village to inspect the earlier bulldozer action.
The Congress team said it would prepare a report and submit it to the state leadership after reviewing the situation.
The timing of the demolition has added a political dimension to the case, with opposition parties questioning the administration’s move.
Samajwadi Party Questions Action
Zia-ur-Rehman Barq strongly criticized the demolition, claiming that the land belonged to the Waqf Board and not the government.
“The land is Waqf property. The administration’s action is wrong, and we will challenge it in court,” Barq said.
The Samajwadi Party and Congress have both accused the administration of acting in haste and without proper legal process.
Debris Cleared, Video Goes Viral
Local reports claim that after the Congress delegation left the village, the administration intensified the operation and began clearing the debris of the demolished mosque.
Videos of bulldozers tearing down the remaining portions of the mosque and removing rubble have gone viral on social media, drawing strong reactions.
“I Love Mohammad” Poster Sparks Separate Case
During the demolition drive, officials said posters carrying the words “I Love Mohammad” were found inside the mosque premises.
Police have registered a separate case regarding the posters and started an investigation.
Officials said the case was filed on instructions from the Superintendent of Police, and the matter is now under review.
