Fri May 30 17:19:57 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:
**Tensions High in Saharanpur After Mosque Demolition; MP Cites Legal Violations**
**Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – May 30, 2025** – Tensions remain elevated in Bhojpur village, Saharanpur district, following the demolition of an under-construction mosque by local authorities on Thursday. The administration cited the structure as illegal, claiming it was built without proper authorization.
The demolition has sparked outrage and drawn visits from delegations representing various political parties, including the Congress. Local Lok Sabha MP Imran Masood, who led the Congress delegation, strongly condemned the action, alleging violations of legal procedure.
Masood argues that the Religious Endowment Act only requires intimation, not explicit permission, for such construction. He also questioned the absence of a demolition order and alleged non-compliance with Supreme Court guidelines. He stated that the aggrieved parties will seek legal recourse in the Supreme Court and High Court.
“Religious Endowment Act doesn’t mention that permission is needed to build a structure; it only requires intimation. Secondly, if the administration demolished the structure, where is the demolition order? No Supreme Court guideline was followed in this move,” Masood told The Hindu.
According to district administration officials, the local police were alerted to the construction activity a few days prior. The Station House Officer of Chilkana reportedly ordered a halt to the construction due to the lack of authorization. However, construction allegedly continued, leading to the demolition under heavy police presence on May 29th.
Circle Officer, Saharanpur Sadar, Manoj Kumar Yadav, confirmed that police presence was to “maintain peace during the demolition” and added that no untoward incidents occurred. He stated that police were directed to provide force due to an illegal structure being built without permission.
Masood emphasized that residents refrained from confronting the administration during the demolition to avoid escalation and violence. He vowed that the fight would continue in the court of law.
The incident has raised concerns about religious freedom and due process, with potential ramifications for communal harmony in the region. The situation remains under close watch as legal challenges are expected to be filed soon.
First Piper 