Lakhnow, UP, February 9, 2025 - The Uttar Pradesh authorities carried out the demolition of Madni Masjid in Hata Nagar on Sunday, following the expiration of a High Court stay order. The operation was conducted under heavy security, with DSP Kasya Kundan Singh overseeing the process alongside Border Security Force (BSF) personnel.
The controversy surrounding the mosque began on December 19, 2024, when local officials conducted a land survey following encroachment allegations. The investigation revealed that while the Muslim community had purchased a 32-decimal plot 15 years ago, the mosque's construction extended beyond its legitimate boundaries, occupying an additional 4 decimals of Nagar Palika land and 1 decimal of public land.
Following the survey, the district administration issued notices to mosque representatives, requesting essential documentation and maps related to the construction. Despite being given a 15-day deadline to respond, the mosque's administrative body failed to provide the required documentation, leading to the demolition decision.
The Madni Mosque, which served as a prominent Islamic teaching center and zonal office of the Tablighi Jamaat in eastern UP for over two decades, was demolished after authorities confirmed all legal procedures had been followed post the stay period expiration.
This incident follows a similar action in December 2024, when authorities in Uttar Pradesh's Fatehpur district partially demolished the 180-year-old Noori Masjid in Lalauli town. Officials cited encroachment issues, stating that a portion of the historic mosque, dating back to 1839, impeded the planned widening of the Banda Bahraich road (State Highway-13).
Local authorities maintain that the demolition was carried out in accordance with legal procedures, particularly after the mosque representatives failed to comply with documentation requirements during the specified period.
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