Municipal authorities say the action is part of a campaign against illegal constructions; mosque representatives seek legal relief
PUNE — A demolition drive against “unauthorised” religious structures in Maharashtra’s Pune district has triggered concern among local communities after municipal authorities moved against several mosques, temples and other religious buildings.
The action, carried out by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), has become the subject of legal and public debate, particularly after several mosques were demolished despite objections from community representatives.
According to municipal records, notices were issued in April 2025 to 31 religious structures that officials classified as unauthorised constructions. The list reportedly included 18 mosques and 13 temples located in different parts of the Pimpri-Chinchwad area.
The issue gained renewed attention after demolition operations were carried out in the Chikhali-Kudalwadi locality during the night between Monday and Tuesday.
Officials stated that the operation targeted structures that had allegedly been built without the required permissions. Authorities said that a total of 11 structures, including mosques and a temple, were removed during the latest phase of the campaign.
The demolition led to tension in the area, with reports of confrontations between locals and police personnel deployed to maintain order during the operation.
Witnesses said a large number of residents gathered after demolition teams arrived at the site.
According to police officials, some members of the crowd allegedly threw stones at security personnel. Police responded by dispersing the gathering and later registered a case against unidentified individuals.
Authorities said investigations are continuing and that approximately 500 people have been identified in connection with the disturbance.
Police officials maintained that law and order was brought under control and that the demolition operation proceeded under security protection.
The latest action comes only weeks after another demolition exercise in the same locality.
Residents said that around a month earlier, municipal authorities had removed two mosques and two temples as part of the same anti-encroachment campaign.
The continuing demolitions have caused concern among worshippers and local community organisations, many of whom fear that additional religious sites could face similar action in the coming weeks.
Representatives of Muslim organisations have questioned the timing and manner of the demolitions, arguing that legal remedies were still being pursued.
The issue has also drawn the attention of the Mumbai-based Raza Academy, which announced plans to meet government officials in an effort to halt further demolitions.
A spokesperson for the organisation said efforts were underway to seek administrative and legal intervention before additional structures are removed.
“We will approach the concerned authorities and request them to stop the demolition process until all legal aspects have been properly examined,” the representative said.
According to community leaders, several mosque committees have already approached the Maharashtra Waqf Board regarding the notices issued by municipal authorities.
Niyaz Siddiqui, President of the Raza Masjid Trust, said mosque representatives had challenged the notices through appropriate legal channels.
“We have submitted our representation through the Waqf Board and requested protection for the affected mosques until the matter is fully heard,” Siddiqui said.
He stated that the Waqf Board had issued an interim stay on demolition proceedings relating to certain structures and fixed the next hearing for 24 June.
Community members argue that any irreversible action should be postponed until all legal proceedings have been completed.
They say places of worship hold social, cultural and religious significance for locals and should not be removed while disputes remain under consideration.
Municipal authorities, however, insist that the campaign is aimed at enforcing planning and land-use regulations rather than targeting any particular religious group.
Officials point out that both mosques and temples have been included in the list of structures identified for action.
According to available figures, of the 31 religious structures that received notices, 15 have so far been demolished. These reportedly include seven mosques and seven temples, while official details regarding the remaining structure have not been publicly clarified.
Municipal officials maintain that all actions have been taken in accordance with existing laws governing unauthorised construction.
Urban planning experts note that disputes involving religious structures are often among the most sensitive issues faced by local administrations because they involve both legal and emotional considerations.
They argue that transparent procedures, clear communication and adequate opportunities for appeal are essential in maintaining public confidence during such operations.
The developments in Pune have also drawn wider attention because they come at a time when demolition drives affecting religious structures are being reported in several parts of the country.
Civil society groups have called for authorities to ensure that due process is followed in every case and that affected communities are given sufficient opportunities to present documentation and legal claims.
For many local residents, the debate extends beyond questions of land ownership and municipal regulations.
They say places of worship often serve as centres of community life, education and social support, making their removal a matter of significant public concern.
As legal proceedings continue and the next hearing before the Waqf Board approaches, attention remains focused on whether further demolitions will take place.
For now, municipal authorities remain committed to continuing their campaign against what they describe as unauthorised constructions, while community representatives are pursuing legal remedies in an effort to protect the remaining structures.
The coming weeks are likely to determine whether the dispute moves towards a negotiated resolution, further legal proceedings or additional demolition actions across the Pimpri-Chinchwad region.
