Administration cites old case to stop wall and urinal work meant to prevent public urination; caretakers say no illegal activity was taking place
LAKHIMPUR KHERI — Construction work inside the premises of Kachhari Mosque in Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh was stopped after objections by a Hindu organisation, even as the mosque’s muezzin continued giving the azaan and offering prayers during the official inspection.
The incident took place near the district collectorate under the Lakhimpur Sadar Kotwali area. According to mosque caretakers, a small wall and urinal were being built near an adjoining drain to stop people from urinating in the open and to protect privacy within the mosque compound.
The matter reached the police after a Hindu group complained that illegal construction was taking place. Following the complaint, a revenue lekhpal, accompanied by police personnel, reached the mosque and stopped the work.
The muezzin of the mosque said the construction had a basic and practical purpose.
“People used to urinate openly near the mosque wall. We were only building a small toilet and wall so that privacy is maintained,” he said. “This was not any new structure for expansion.”
He added that when officials arrived, he was offering namaz.
“They came while I was praying. After that, the lekhpal only asked who was getting the work done and noted my name,” the muezzin told local media.
The lekhpal later said that a case related to the mosque had been registered around six months ago.
“When we reached the spot, construction was going on. We stopped it and asked the labourers to leave,” he said, claiming the work violated rules.
A member of the Hindu organisation, who was present with the administration, alleged wrongdoing. “This is illegal construction. It was happening under the nose of the administration,” he claimed.
Muslim residents and mosque caretakers, however, said the action was unnecessary and selective. They pointed out that the work was meant to solve a hygiene problem and did not change the structure of the mosque.
Local Muslims expressed concern that even basic repair or sanitation-related work at religious places is now facing objections. “Stopping a toilet to maintain cleanliness shows how even small needs of Muslims are questioned,” said a local resident.
The incident has once again raised concerns among Muslims about increasing interference in mosque affairs, even when the work is linked to cleanliness, dignity and daily worship.
