In a controversial move, the Faridabad Municipal Corporation demolished a 50-year-old mosque located in Jamai Colony, Badkhal village. The civic body stated that the structure stood on protected forest land and was, therefore, an illegal encroachment. The action was reportedly carried out following directions from the Supreme Court of India. However, members of the local Muslim community claimed that the matter remains under judicial consideration and accused the authorities of contempt of court.
Demolition Conducted Under Heavy Security
The demolition was executed under strict police supervision early on April 15. To maintain order and prevent resistance, around 250 police personnel, including three Assistant Commissioners of Police, were deployed. The municipal team arrived with bulldozers at dawn, not only razing the mosque but also clearing other structures in the vicinity deemed illegal.
The area was heavily cordoned off during the operation. According to local residents, no one was allowed within 100 metres of the site. Police allegedly warned that a lathi-charge would be used if anyone attempted to approach. A fire brigade team was also stationed at the location as a precautionary measure.
Clashing Claims: Civic Body vs. Local Residents
The Municipal Corporation maintained that the mosque was built illegally on reserved forest land, which is protected under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA). They cited Supreme Court rulings prohibiting any kind of encroachment on such land.
In contrast, locals argued that the land was part of Badkhal village and was donated decades ago by former village sarpanch Rakka for the construction of a mosque. A local resident told Dainik Bhaskar that the mosque occupied a 40×80 yard portion of a larger 600–700 square yard plot. He added that a 17–18 member village committee has been fighting the legal battle in the Supreme Court, and that a boundary wall had previously been built around the site with an understanding that no action would be taken until a final verdict was reached.
“This demolition while the case is still being heard in the Supreme Court is nothing short of contempt,” the resident said.
Civic Body Stands Firm on Legality
Satish Acharya, legal advisor to the Faridabad Municipal Corporation, stood by the action taken by the authorities. He dismissed the claims made by the residents, stating, “The structure was an encroachment on government land. This is a reserved forest area under PLPA. As per Supreme Court orders, encroachments cannot be permitted.”
He further emphasized that this demolition was part of a broader effort. “This is not a one-off incident. Anyone who has grabbed government land will face similar action. We have recommended that the area be returned to the Forest Department for jungle restoration. This is forest land and must remain forest land.”
A Dispute Decades in the Making
The conflict over the land has reportedly stretched on for over 20–25 years, with both sides holding firm to their respective claims. The municipal authorities continue to assert that the land is legally government-owned forest area, while the local Muslim community maintains that it is community land earmarked for religious purposes. As tensions persist, the matter may see further legal and political developments in the days ahead.
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