The demolition follows allegations of illegal construction, sparking protests and claims of unfair treatment
Team Clarion
MUMBAI –– A bulldozer operation in Pune’s Khed area has resulted in the demolition of a mosque and madrasa, following complaints from Hindu organisations who claimed that the constructions were illegal. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) initiated the action on January 23, based on allegations that the structures were built without proper permission.
Hindu organisations claimed that Shakir Ismail, the individual behind the construction, had erected the mosque and madrasa without authorisation. These places of worship, according to the Hindu groups, attracted a large number of Muslims every Friday for prayers. The organisations voiced their concerns to the state government, demanding action. In response, the bulldozers were deployed to demolish the buildings.
The bulldozers roared into action in Pune despite the Supreme Court’s directives against arbitrary demolition of buildings. In November, the apex court gave clear instructions against the ‘bulldozer justice’ meted out in several BJP-ruled states and said proper procedures, including providing sufficient notice to the property owners, should be followed.
“The executive [the government] cannot become a judge and demolish properties. The chilling sight of a bulldozer demolishing a building reminds one of lawlessness where might was right,” the Supreme Court had said. It also directed authorities to give sufficient time to the affected person to challenge the order or vacate the property.
A video of the Pune demolition has been widely shared, including by the X account “The Muslim Space,” showing the mosque and madrasa being torn down while residents watched helplessly. In the footage, some eyewitnesses allege that the demolition was carried out without giving the Muslim community a fair opportunity to voice their concerns or objections. “We were not given a chance to explain or present our case,” said one of the witnesses, who preferred to remain anonymous.
The incident has stirred strong reactions, with several individuals from the Muslim community questioning the fairness of the demolition process. “This is not just about buildings; it’s about our rights and dignity,” a local Muslim resident said.
Hindu groups, on the other hand, continue to defend their calls for the demolition, arguing that the constructions were illegal and a threat to public order. “Such illegal structures should not be allowed to function,” said a spokesperson from one of the Hindu organisations which lodged the complaint.
As tensions simmer, questions are being raised about the fairness of the administration’s actions. Critics argue that the demolition process was swift, leaving little time for dialogue or legal recourse for the affected community. The local authorities have yet to respond to claims that the demolition violated due process.
The controversy over the mosque and madrasa demolitions is the latest chapter in a broader debate over religious spaces and legal procedures in India, and it remains to be seen how this issue will unfold in the coming days.