The Municipal Corporation claims the mosque was illegal, sparking outrage as locals assert it was built on village land
NEW DELHI/FARIDABAD – Tensions gripped Haryana’s Faridabad district as a 50-year-old mosque, situated in Badkhal village, was demolished by the Municipal Corporation amidst heavy police presence. Officials labelled the structure illegal, but residents say the matter was still under the Supreme Court’s consideration.
The demolition on Monday, which involved about 250 police personnel and senior officers led by three Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), included razing several other constructions termed encroachments by the authorities. The mosque, known locally as Aqsa Masjid, was among them.
Locals expressed strong resentment, accusing the administration of acting in haste and contempt of ongoing legal proceedings.
“This mosque was built on land donated by our former sarpanch, Rakka, over five decades ago,” said Mushtaq, a resident of Badkhal village. “It’s heartbreaking. There was no final decision by the Supreme Court. Why did they tear it down?”
He added, “First they demolished a few small shops, then they came for our mosque. It was deliberate. We were not even given time.”
The land dispute has persisted for more than 25 years. Residents claim the mosque stood on village land and that the Municipal Corporation’s claim is unjustified.
“The mosque was constructed on 600 to 700 square yards of land, in a 40 by 80 square foot structure. For decades it stood peacefully,” Mushtaq explained. “Only recently did the Municipal Corporation start calling it illegal.”
However, municipal officials maintain that the demolition was carried out under the Supreme Court’s direction.
“This was not a sudden decision. We acted in accordance with legal orders,” said a senior official from the Municipal Corporation, requesting anonymity. “The mosque was one among several illegal structures identified on public land.”
Still, locals insist that the land was never under the control of the civic body.
Several residents accused the authorities of targeting the Muslim community under the garb of anti-encroachment drives.
“If the matter was sub judice, what was the rush? Why not wait for the Supreme Court’s verdict?” asked Aslam Qureshi, a local community leader. “This isn’t just about land. This is about dignity and faith.”
He also questioned the political motives behind such actions. “We’ve seen a pattern. Religious places of minorities are being targeted while illegal constructions elsewhere are ignored. It’s not law – it’s bias.”
Another villager, who didn’t wish to be named, said, “No one dared to stop them. We were helpless. They brought in heavy force, and within minutes, it was gone.”
Legal experts say that if the matter was indeed pending before the Supreme Court, any such action could be seen as contempt of court.
“If the Supreme Court has not passed a final order permitting demolition, then the Municipal Corporation may have overstepped,” said Advocate Iqbal Ahmad, a Delhi-based constitutional lawyer. “The court’s silence does not imply permission.”
Residents have demanded that the apex court take suo motu cognisance of the demolition and initiate action against those responsible.
As of now, senior administrative officers and elected representatives from the area have not made any public statements about the demolition.
The lack of transparency and communication has further angered the local community, with many questioning the silence of Faridabad’s elected MPs and MLAs.
“This is a failure of democracy,” said Shahbaz Ali, a youth activist from the area. “When places of worship can be bulldozed without a clear court order, it sends a chilling message to the rest of the country.”
While authorities maintain that the demolition was purely administrative, community members allege ideological motives behind the action.
“In recent years, such demolitions have increased,” said Prof Rizwan, a political analyst. “They reflect a growing tendency to ignore due process when it comes to minorities. The silence of ruling party leaders on such matters speaks volumes.”
Locals are planning to approach the courts again to seek accountability and justice. Several human rights groups have also expressed concern and are preparing to send fact-finding teams to the site.
For now, the rubble of Aqsa Masjid lies silent under the open sky—an empty patch where worshippers once gathered, and where now only questions remain.
“Will our prayers ever be heard again from this land?” asked 70-year-old Haji Nasir, holding back tears. “They brought down our masjid, but not our hope.”
