Saharanpur Mosque Demolished In Yogi's UP

A mosque located inside the Saharanpur district Collectorate complex was demolished early Saturday after authorities concluded that the structure had been illegally constructed on government land. The demolition was carried out amid heavy security, with authorities restricting public access to the Collectorate to prevent any untoward incident.

The dispute over the structure dates back to 2025, when Bajrang Dal regional convener Vikas Tyagi approached the city magistrate, alleging that the mosque situated within the Collectorate premises was an unauthorised structure occupying government land.

Following the proceedings, Saharanpur City Magistrate Kuldeep Singh ruled on July 16, 2026, that the structure was illegal and ordered its demolition. The action was taken under the Uttar Pradesh Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1972. The administration also reportedly assessed compensation of around Rs 6.41 crore for the alleged unauthorised occupation.

The mosque committee challenged the city magistrate's order before the district court, raising objections concerning the history and status of the property. However, the court rejected the committee's appeal on September 2, 2026, leaving the demolition order in force and clearing the way for the administration to proceed.

The demolition was subsequently carried out on September 5 inside the Collectorate complex. Authorities turned the premises into a heavily secured zone, closing all five entrances and preventing the general public, including lawyers, from entering.

Five companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and personnel of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed at the site. Police also maintained surveillance in sensitive areas and conducted foot patrols and flag marches as a precautionary measure.

Deputy Inspector General, Saharanpur Range, Abhishek Singh appealed to people to maintain peace and ignore rumours. He said the administrative action had resulted in the removal of an encroachment from government land.

The sequence of events from the 2025 petition, through the July 2026 city magistrate's order and the September 2 court ruling, to the demolition on September 5 highlights the administration's position that government land cannot be occupied without lawful authorisation, even when a disputed structure has existed for a considerable period.