Authorities have issued a notice seeking ownership documents after a revenue survey reportedly identified the land as part of the police station premises
MEERUT — A dispute has emerged in Meerut district over the ownership of land on which the well-known “Thane Wali Masjid” stands, with police and mosque authorities presenting conflicting claims regarding the property.
The controversy centres on the Jama Masjid located within the premises of the Kharkhoda police station area. The mosque, known locally as “Thane Wali Masjid”, has existed for decades and is a familiar landmark in the locality.
According to police officials, a recent survey conducted by the revenue department indicated that the land occupied by the mosque forms part of the police station property. Following the survey, authorities sought documents from mosque imam Abdul Ghaffar to establish ownership of the land.
Police officials said that by Sunday evening, no documents satisfactory to the authorities had been produced to establish ownership in favour of the mosque or the Waqf Board. As a result, a formal notice was issued asking the imam to submit relevant records within seven days.
Circle Officer Pramod Kumar Singh said that the revenue department’s report identified the disputed land as part of the police station’s property.
“A notice has been issued under the legal process. The concerned parties have been asked to provide documents and respond within the stipulated period,” he said.
Kharkhoda Station House Officer Rajpal Singh stated that the notice was served on June 13 and that seven days had been granted for a response.
“We are awaiting the reply and supporting documents. Further action will depend on the records submitted and their verification,” he said.
Police officials have pointed out that the Kharkhoda police station, located on the Meerut-Bulandshahr road, dates back to the pre-Independence period. According to authorities, revenue records show that Khasra No. 1217, measuring approximately 6,450 square metres, has long been recorded in the name of the police department.
Officials allege that a portion of this land was later occupied and a mosque structure came up on it. However, mosque authorities strongly reject this claim.
Imam Abdul Ghaffar said the land belongs to the Waqf Board. He maintained that all relevant documents are available and have already been submitted to the authorities.
“This land was registered in the name of the Waqf Board in 1985. We possess the necessary documents and have already provided them to the police. The mosque stands on Waqf property,” he said.
Mosque management committee members also dismissed allegations of encroachment and said they are prepared to cooperate with any lawful verification process.
According to senior police officials, the issue came to light during a recent demarcation exercise aimed at identifying the boundaries of police station land. Rural ASP Abhijeet Kumar said the mosque is several decades old and that the matter surfaced during the boundary verification process.
“The mosque has existed for many years. During the land demarcation exercise, questions regarding ownership arose. Notices have been issued and the matter will be examined based on documents and official records,” he said.
The dispute has attracted attention in the region because it involves a religious structure that has been standing for decades. Legal experts say the outcome is likely to depend on the examination of revenue records, Waqf documents and historical ownership records maintained by the concerned authorities.
At present, no demolition or removal action has been announced. Officials have stated that the matter remains under review and that any future steps will be taken in accordance with the law and after verification of all documents submitted by both sides.
For now, the focus remains on establishing the legal ownership of the land, with authorities and mosque representatives awaiting the next stage of the administrative process.
