Heavy police deployment and bulldozers used in the operation as authorities remove mosque linked to the Kashi Model Railway Station project
VARANASI — A nearly 200-year-old mosque, known as Ajgaib Shaheed Mosque, was demolished by the administration in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi during an operation linked to the Kashi Model Railway Station project.
The demolition took place late on the night of June 2 in the Rajghat area of the city, where construction work for the railway station redevelopment project is underway. Authorities deployed a heavy police force and sealed off the surrounding area before the operation began.
According to officials, administrative and police teams reached the site around midnight and erected barricades around the mosque. Around five bulldozers were brought in to carry out the demolition, which continued for several hours.
Officials said approximately 1,000 police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel were deployed to maintain law and order during the operation. Senior officers, including DCP Kashi Gaurav Bansal, ADCP Vaibhav Bangar and ACP Shivhari Meena, were present at the site.
After the structure was demolished, authorities immediately began removing the debris using trucks and other vehicles. The work continued through the night to prevent crowds from gathering and to avoid any disturbance in the area.
Historical Importance
Members of the local Muslim community said the Ajgaib Shaheed Mosque and adjoining graveyard had existed for nearly two centuries and were closely linked to the religious life of the area.
According to locals, the mosque had served as a place of worship for generations. The mosque’s mutawalli, Shamim Ustad, who oversaw its affairs for many years, passed away a few months ago.
Community members said the mosque and graveyard held historical and religious significance and had remained an important landmark in the locality.
The administration and railway authorities maintain that the land on which the mosque and graveyard stood belongs to the railways.
Officials said government records identify the site as railway property. According to the administration, a shrine originally existed at the location and, over time, additional structures, including the mosque and graveyard, expanded on the land.
Authorities stated that the matter came under scrutiny after land surveys were conducted following the launch of the Kashi Model Railway Station project in 2024.
Court Proceedings and Eviction
Officials said notices were issued to the concerned parties after the survey identified the alleged encroachment. The dispute subsequently reached the courts, where proceedings continued for nearly two years.
According to the administration, the court recently ruled in favour of the railways and the district authorities, paving the way for the eviction process.
Authorities said the land was not vacated despite notices, leading to the demolition action.
Following the demolition, security arrangements were strengthened across the Rajghat area. Police personnel remained deployed at key locations, and patrols were increased as a precautionary measure.
Officials said the situation remained under control and urged residents to maintain peace. No reports of violence or major disturbances were reported immediately after the operation.
The demolition has drawn attention because of the mosque’s long history and the ongoing debate surrounding redevelopment projects and land ownership disputes involving religious structures. The administration, however, maintains that the action was carried out in accordance with court orders and official land records.
