In a late-night operation in Delhi’s Shalimar Bagh area, parts of Madina Masjid along with several adjacent structures were demolished as part of an anti-encroachment drive. Civic officials stated the demolition was linked to a road-widening initiative, but local residents and mosque representatives have raised concerns about the legality and notification process of the action.
The demolition occurred late Tuesday night in the Haiderpur locality, near the road leading to Max Hospital, under heavy police supervision. Bulldozers were used to clear structures deemed encroachments by authorities, impacting a section of Madina Masjid and nearby residential buildings.
The mosque committee challenged the demolition procedure, explaining that they had sought clarification and legal guidance regarding notices issued by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Mobin Khan, president of Madina Masjid, stated the committee requested clear copies of the documents to prepare a legal response. He noted that multiple notices had been issued by the MCD warning of demolition within 15 days.
Khan added that the committee appealed to the relevant tribunal, submitting documentation showing that three floors of the mosque were constructed in 2001. They also requested an assessment of the building’s plaster age as part of their defense. Khan, the legal submissions and documents presented were not properly considered before the demolition took place.
The mosque’s imam, Zarifur Rehman, also questioned the classification of the mosque as illegal. He mentioned that the committee had responded to proceedings and appeared before the MCD following court-related notices. Despite this, the civic body issued a demolition notice with a 15-day deadline.
Residents gathered at the site during the demolition, expressing confusion about the timing of the operation and seeking details about the authorization for the action. A mosque committee member identified as Amitabh stated that residents were informed of ongoing litigation but were not shown demolition orders when requested. He further claimed that residents were denied direct communication with the responsible officer and were anticipating a court hearing regarding the mosque in October.
Some residents reported receiving demolition notices prior to the action, although the exact timing and manner of delivery remain unclear.
In a significant development, AIMIM Delhi president Shoaib Jamai arrived at the site as the demolition began. He condemned the nighttime operation, asserting that the mosque was subject to ongoing legal proceedings and criticizing the use of bulldozers after dark. Jamai reported that a large police presence restricted access to the area, preventing people from approaching the mosque. He and his associates entered the mosque to retrieve the Quran and other belongings before demolition continued. Jamai characterized the demolition as an attempt to replicate similar actions seen elsewhere in India.
Civic authorities reiterated that the demolition was part of a road-widening and anti-encroachment effort. Officials confirmed that notices had been issued prior to the operation and that structures identified as encroachments were being cleared to facilitate the road expansion. The demolition was eventually paused, with bulldozers withdrawn while police remained deployed amid concerns about potential law-and-order issues.
This episode has raised questions regarding the treatment of the mosque and adjacent properties, the sufficiency of prior notice, and the legal procedures followed before the demolition of these structures.
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