Saharanpur collectorate mosque demolished after court order, RAF deployed | India News - Hindustan Times

**Saharanpur Collectorate Mosque Razed After Court Order; RAF Deployed**

A district court in Saharanpur ordered the demolition of a mosque that had been constructed within the premises of the district collectorate, deeming it an illegal encroachment on government land. The structure, which local officials said was erected without the necessary approvals, was torn down on Thursday morning under tight security. The demolition was carried out by the district administration’s engineering wing, with the Rapid Action Force (RAF) on standby to manage any potential unrest.

The operation was marked by a heavy police presence, and several political figures attempted to reach the site. Member of Parliament Iqra Hasan of the Samajwadi Party reported that she was barred from accessing the demolition area, describing the restrictions as a form of “house arrest.” The incident drew sharp criticism from senior Muslim leaders; All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the demolition as an affront to religious sentiment, while former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav posted a cryptic message on social media hinting at broader concerns over minority rights.

Authorities reiterated that the demolition was a legal enforcement action and not a religious persecution. The district collector’s office issued a statement confirming that all procedural norms were followed, and that the RAF’s deployment was solely for crowd control and to ensure law and order. The court’s order, which was based on a petition filed by the state’s land‑revenue department, mandates that the vacant plot be restored to its original public‑use status. The episode has reignited debates over the balance between property law, religious freedoms, and political interference in Uttar Pradesh.