Trustees of Masjid and Madrasa Ghousia Rizvia say a developer tries to begin work by force on land reserved for the mosque even as the issue is pending before the high court
MUMBAI — A tense situation arose here earlier this week on the eastern side of the Andheri Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) after a developer allegedly tried to begin construction on land connected to the historic Masjid and Madrasa Ghousia Rizvia, located along the roadside.
According to the trustees, the developer cleaned the site and following Hindu rituals broke coconuts “as a clear attempt to formally start construction.” The land, they said, had already been marked for the mosque under a written agreement. The foundation for the mosque was laid several years ago and still exists at the spot.
The dispute is already before the Bombay High Court, where a case related to the construction of another mosque on the same plot is pending. Trustees alleged that the developer moved ahead even while the case is sub judice, with MIDC and police officials present at the site.
Residents from the surrounding area, including both Muslims and Hindus, gathered at the location and expressed strong anger. Many questioned how any construction activity could be allowed when the matter is under court consideration.
After sustained objections from locals, an MIDC officer at the site said both sides should first sit together and settle the issue related to the place of worship before any construction work starts.
The trustees recalled that around a month ago, Inspector Kate of the MIDC Police Station had contacted them and said the developer had asked for police arrangements to begin work. The inspector had warned that action could be taken if the situation led to law and order problems.
The trustees responded by stating that since the developer had violated the agreement and the matter was already in court, there was no question of allowing construction or providing police support.
Iqbal Munyar, an active member of the Madrasa and Masjid Ghousiya Rizvia Ahle Sunnat Khidmat Committee, told Clarion India that the developer’s actions were deliberate.
“On Wednesday afternoon, the space in front of the existing mosque, where the foundation for a new mosque was laid many years ago, was cleared and construction was started by breaking coconuts,” he said.
“MIDC and police officers were present at that time.” He added, “We immediately objected and said this is a fraud. When this land was kept for a mosque under the agreement and the foundation is still there, how can any other building be put up on this land?”
Munyar also rejected claims made by the developer about shifting the mosque. “The developer is saying another site will be given and that MIDC has approved a new plan to shift the mosque. This is not true. No new agreement has been signed by the trustees for shifting the mosque,” he said.
He further said MIDC has no authority to shift a mosque without the consent of its trustees. “This is happening while the mosque matter is pending in the Bombay High Court. In such a situation, the police and MIDC are duty-bound to follow the agreement and act without bias,” Munyar said.
He said the anger is shared by the wider public. “It is not only the trustees. Local people are also upset and asking how construction can be pushed by force on land meant for a mosque,” he said.
A MIDC police officer present at the site said the role of the police is limited to maintaining peace. “Our duty is to maintain law and order. Action will be taken against anyone who tries to take the law into their own hands,” the officer said. He added that the issue of the mosque and madrasa land should be resolved by both parties together.
Munyar said the situation has caused serious concern. “Because of this new development, a meeting of the mosque trustees has been called. We will discuss the situation and decide our next steps if any further attempt is made to build by force on mosque land,” he said.
The Masjid and Madrasa Ghousia Rizvia has existed in Andheri MIDC for many years and holds deep religious importance for the local Muslim community. Trustees and residents said they will continue to rely on the court and lawful means, while demanding that authorities stop any action that threatens the mosque or ignores existing agreements.
