The demolition of the historic Chhoti Masjid in Anchoda Kamboh village has drawn anger and grief among local Muslims, who allege selective targeting under the guise of anti-encroachment drive
NEW DELHI — In a move that has triggered outrage among Muslims in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal District, a 30-year-old mosque known as Chhoti Masjid was demolished by the local administration on Tuesday. Officials claimed the mosque was constructed on public park land, but residents called the demolition “a deliberate act of humiliation.”
The mosque, located near Shri Kalki Dham on the Sedangli–Manota Road, was razed in the presence of heavy police deployment. According to local authorities, the action was part of an ongoing campaign against illegal constructions in the district.
Naib Tehsildar Deepak Jurail said, “The Lekhpal’s report confirmed that the mosque in Anchoda Kamboh village stood on public park land. Following legal procedures, the Tehsildar’s court ordered its demolition.”
Officials stated that the mosque occupied around 262 square metres within a one-hectare plot registered as community park land. The first notice regarding the alleged encroachment was issued on June 11, and the final eviction order was passed on September 24.
Tehsildar DP Singh defended the move, saying that all notices and hearings had been conducted according to the law. “There were multiple hearings in the Tehsildar’s court before the order was issued. The structure was illegal, and we acted as per the court’s direction,” he said.
Circle Officer Kuldeep Singh confirmed that a large number of police personnel were deployed in the area as the operation was being carried out. “The demolition was peaceful and no resistance was faced from locals,” he said.
However, local residents and community leaders strongly condemned the demolition, questioning why old religious structures were being singled out while other encroachments remained untouched.
Mohammad Jameel, one of the community members associated with the mosque, told reporters, “This mosque was not harming anyone. People were offering prayers here for decades. If it was built on park land, why did the administration stay silent for 30 years?”
He added, “We were not even given a fair chance to appeal. Everything was done hastily, as if the decision had already been made.”
A local elder, Hafiz Abdul Sattar, expressed his grief, saying, “The mosque was part of our daily life. It was built with the contribution of villagers and stood as a symbol of our faith. Watching it being torn down by bulldozers was heartbreaking.”
Muslim residents alleged that such demolitions reflect a pattern of selective action under the guise of anti-encroachment drives.
Shafiq Ahmed, a resident of Sambhal town, said, “Whenever it comes to a mosque or Muslim property, bulldozers are sent immediately. But when illegal temples or other structures come up, the administration looks the other way.”
Local social worker Razia Begum said, “The government talks about equality before the law, but in practice, only one community is being made to suffer. If the administration wanted justice, they should have found a solution without destroying a place of worship.”
Despite growing criticism, district officials remained firm on their stand, reiterating that the structure was unlawful. They said the land records clearly indicated that the mosque was built on land registered for community use as a park.
Naib Tehsildar Jurail said, “The demolition followed a complaint by villagers, and the Revenue Department verified the encroachment months ago. The court order was final and binding.”
The incident has reignited debate over the use of bulldozers in Uttar Pradesh, often seen by Muslims as a symbol of intimidation. In recent years, several mosques and madrasas across the state have faced demolition under similar claims of encroachment.
Local residents are now appealing to higher authorities and Muslim organisations to intervene and investigate whether due process was genuinely followed.
As one resident remarked, “We may be poor, but our faith is not illegal. If this can happen to a mosque that stood peacefully for 30 years, no place is safe anymore.”
