Saharanpur Collectorate Mosque Demolished; Giri’s Remarks Add Fuel to Political Row

The demolition of a mosque located on government land within the Saharanpur Collectorate premises in Uttar Pradesh has sparked a political controversy. Authorities removed the structure following court orders, drawing criticism from opposition parties including the Samajwadi Party and Congress. Mahamandaleshwar Prabodhanand Giri, who visited Saharanpur and met police officials, praised the action and said the Collectorate was an administrative area where religious activities should not be conducted. He also challenged claims that the mosque belonged to the Waqf Board, saying that anyone with relevant documents should present them before the court. Giri further remarked that those who objected to the demolition could go to Pakistan or Bangladesh and said he would bear the travel expenses of those unable to afford the journey.

The legal dispute, however, remains ongoing. On July 16, the Saharanpur City Magistrate ordered removal of the mosque and imposed a fine of ₹6.41 crore. The district court upheld the order on September 2, following which officials demolished the structure on September 5. A petition challenging the orders was subsequently filed before the Allahabad High Court on September 9. After the demolition, an approximately 20-foot-deep old well was reportedly found beneath the debris, adding another dimension to the controversy. Giri said no conclusions should be drawn about its historical or religious significance until an inquiry is completed.