Bareilly: A mosque in Pipariya village of Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district faced demolition following orders from the Sub Divisional Magistrate court, while caretakers state the dispute continues before the Allahabad High Court.
Revenue records from the Bhojipura tehsil show the mosque stood on a 300 square yard plot since 1968. The land appears in official documents as village habitation land meant for community use. Mosque representatives say these records support lawful existence and long standing use.
The demolition operation lasted close to three hours. Two bulldozers pulled down the structure under heavy police deployment. Authorities removed debris soon after. The district administration assumed control of the site following the action.
Bareilly SDM Sadar Pramod Kumar told reporters officials removed an unauthorised structure built on government land. He cited an eighteen year legal process and eviction orders issued earlier by a tehsildar court and later upheld by a civil court.
Mosque manager Mohammed Iqbal disputed the claim. He said the High Court continues to hear the matter and has fixed another date. He alleged authorities proceeded despite sub judice status. Iqbal said the mosque served daily prayers for local Muslims and played a central role in village religious life.
Residents reported absence of prior notice. Mohammad Umar, a local resident, said the mosque stood for nearly five decades before demolition.
Advocate Sagheer Ahmed, appearing for the mosque committee, said records show land allotment to the Muslim community in 1969 by the then Gram Pradhan. He said courts approved construction during the same period. He added state authorities lack jurisdiction over land transfers from before 1973.
Ahmed said the committee plans contempt proceedings and compensation claims over losses suffered.
