Government says structure was built on ‘Inam Land’; AIMIM chief Asaduddin questions timing and legality of action in Sangareddy district
HYDERABAD — The demolition of Masjid-e-Maulana in Telangana’s Sangareddy district has triggered strong reactions from political parties, community leaders and human rights groups, with questions raised over the timing and legality of the action.
Revenue officials demolished the mosque in Sadasivpet area, stating that the structure had been built illegally on government land classified as “Inam land”. The action took place shortly after prayers had begun at the newly constructed mosque and at the onset of the holy month of Ramadan.
The incident has led to protests and sharp criticism, particularly from Muslim organisations, who have called the demolition unjust and insensitive.
According to local sources, Masjid-e-Maulana had recently been completed, and prayers had started earlier this week. The structure was demolished by the Revenue Department on the grounds that it stood on land belonging to the government.
Officials said the land fell under the category of “Inam land”, which they described as a special classification of land that may be treated as government property. They stated that private construction on such land could be considered illegal.
However, locals say the action came without proper warning.
One community member said: “If there was a legal issue, the authorities should have given proper notice and allowed the matter to be settled in court. Demolishing a mosque during Ramadan hurts religious feelings.”
Land Owner Claims Legal Purchase
Mohammed Kaleem, who claims the ownership of the land, said he purchased Survey Number 165 about two years ago from a person named Raju in Hyderabad.
Kaleem said, “I bought this land two years ago. I have been in possession since then. I even installed a borewell. The mosque was recently built, and prayers had just started last Monday. Suddenly, it was demolished.”
He added that there had been pressure from certain groups from the beginning.
“From the start, some anti-social elements were troubling us. We were trying to build a place of prayer peacefully,” he said.
Owaisi Questions Administration
Hyderabad MP and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi strongly criticised the demolition.
Referring to the incident in Sangareddy district, he said he had directed party MLA Kausar Mohiuddin and district president Sheikh Ghaus to speak with local officials.
Owaisi questioned the timing of the action.
He said: “If there was a problem with the land, what was the administration doing for the past two years? Why was action taken only after a shed was constructed and prayers had begun?”
He also pointed out that the land had been in Kaleem’s possession for two years, during which a borewell had been dug without objection from the authorities.
The AIMIM and Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) alleged that the demolition did not follow proper legal procedure.
MBT demanded suspension of the Sangareddy Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) and the Sadasivpet Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO). The organisation also called for criminal action against those responsible and reconstruction of the mosque at the same location.
A representative from MBT said, “If there was a legal issue, the matter should have gone before a court. Taking such action without transparency creates fear among minorities.”
Govt Maintains Action Was Lawful
The Telangana Revenue Department defended its action, stating that the structure was built on land classified as “Inam land”, which falls under government control or special category status.
Officials said private construction on such land is not permitted and that the demolition was carried out as part of enforcement.
The Congress-led Telangana government has not issued a separate political statement, but officials maintain that the action was administrative, not communal.
The demolition comes days after another incident in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, where a mosque in Jalalpur village was allegedly vandalised on 15 February.
According to local reports, unknown persons damaged the mosque’s boundary wall, doors, windows and washroom facilities. The microphone and sound system were also reportedly broken.
Copies of the Qur’an were found torn and scattered in the premises. Empty beer and whisky bottles were also found inside, leading community members to describe it as a deliberate act of disrespect.
Local police described the incident as minor, but residents have demanded a thorough investigation.
One resident said, “How can this be called a minor incident when holy books are torn and thrown around? We want proper action and justice.”
The back-to-back incidents have increased concern among minority communities in Telangana. Human rights groups have urged the government to ensure transparency, fairness and protection of religious freedom.
Community leaders say that sensitive matters involving places of worship require careful handling and dialogue rather than sudden action.
An elderly resident in Sangareddy said, “This is not just about one building. It is about trust. The government must treat all communities equally and avoid actions that create fear.”
As the controversy grows, political leaders and civil society groups are closely watching how the state government responds. The demand for clarity over land status, legal procedure and accountability is likely to continue in the coming days.
