Hindu and Muslim residents unite in opposition; committee formed to resolve the issue
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — In a decision that has stirred widespread disapproval, a 50-year-old Tikiwali Mosque in Rajpur Khampur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat District, has been ordered to be demolished within 90 days by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Court. The mosque, located on land reportedly designated for a pond, was found by authorities to be an encroachment. Alongside the demolition order, a fine of Rs 2 lakh has been imposed on the mosque administration.
According to Naresh Kumar, the District Revenue Officer and ADGC Revenue, the case was investigated under the Revenue Code after a petition was filed by a local resident, Gul Sher Malik. “The investigation by the tehsildar revealed that the mosque was constructed on land intended for a pond, making it an encroachment,” Kumar confirmed, adding that 28th November has been set as the demolition date.
However, the court’s order has met with strong opposition from the village residents, with both Hindus and Muslims voicing their dissatisfaction. Many villagers view the order as unjust, particularly as it concerns a religious structure that has served the community for decades. “We feel that the decision is unfair to us, and we believe the mosque has not caused harm to anyone in the community,” said one villager who wished to remain anonymous.
The petitioner, Gul Sher Malik, has also drawn criticism from some villagers. Local resident Ashraf Hussain expressed his views on X (formerly Twitter), noting that Malik, despite being a Muslim himself, had petitioned against the mosque. “It is especially concerning as Malik has a reputation among villagers for using petitions to blackmail people,” Hussain wrote, echoing claims made by several residents.
The discontent over the decision has led local authorities to establish a committee, which includes the tehsildar, to engage with the villagers and address their concerns.
