Management of Rahmat Masjid rejects charges, questions fairness of action and alleges selective use of law against their places of worship
BHOPAL — The Madhya Pradesh administration has declared Rahmat Masjid in Kokta Anandnagar, Bhopal, an illegal structure, following a complaint from a Hindu organisation, a move that has caused fear and anger among local Muslims who say the action is unfair and targeted.
According to official records, the tehsildar had passed an order nearly a year ago stating that the mosque was built on government land and should be removed. The order warned that if the structure was not taken down within seven days, the administration would carry out the action and recover the cost from the mosque committee.
Despite the mosque committee presenting documents to support its claim, officials rejected them after an inquiry and termed the papers “fake”. Media reports say the committee produced documents dating back to 1976, reportedly issued during the tenure of a local panchayat sarpanch. The administration, however, said the papers did not prove legal ownership of the land.
A member of the mosque committee, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the process was deeply troubling. “We showed all the papers we had, but no one was ready to listen. It feels like the decision was already made,” he said. “We are law-abiding citizens. If there was any issue, it should have been handled through dialogue, not threats.”
The action followed a complaint from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). Its state coordinator Jitendra Singh Chauhan claimed that government land was being encroached upon. “A mafia is grabbing government land. The administration has accepted what we said,” he told reporters. He added, “This is our win, but the illegal structure has still not been removed. The administration should act immediately.”
Muslim residents of the area reject the claim that the mosque is part of any land mafia activity. They argue that the language used by some groups has created a hostile atmosphere. “Calling a place of prayer a mafia project hurts our dignity,” said a local resident. “Why are only Muslim religious places picked up like this? We do not see the same action elsewhere.”
Legal experts point out that any demolition or removal must follow due process and offer equal treatment under the law. “Even if the administration believes a structure is illegal, it must ensure transparency and give the affected community a fair hearing,” said a Bhopal-based lawyer.
Community leaders have urged the state government to intervene and stop what they see as selective action. “Indian Muslims already live under pressure,” said a senior community figure. “Such steps add to fear and make people feel they are second-class citizens.”
As of now, the mosque continues to stand, with no fresh date announced for action. The issue has become another flashpoint in a state where Muslim groups say religious sites are increasingly questioned after complaints from Hindu organisations, raising serious concerns about equality, justice, and trust in public institutions.
