NEW DELHI – Hindu groups have objected to the construction of a mosque in Jamalpur Kalan near Haridwar in Uttarakhand alleging that work was being carried out without necessary permissions.
These groups allege that “fundamentalist elements” took advantage of the administration’s focus on local elections to expedite what they claim is an illegal construction.
Amit Multanian, a Bajrang Dal leader, formally complained to the Haridwar-Roorkee Development Authority (HRDA) in this regard. Anshul Singh, vice president of HRDA, confirmed that after investigations it was found that the construction was unauthorised, media reports said on Thursday.
“A complaint was received from Bajrang Dal regarding illegal construction. Our engineers investigated the site and found the complaint to be valid. The building was sealed, and a notice has been issued to the responsible parties,” Singh was quoted as saying.
The Hindu groups said that the construction violates the Supreme Court mandate which requires prior approval from the District Magistrate (DM) or relevant authorities for any religious construction or repairs.
They allege that the mosque in question did not receive such approval and the original structure, referred to as a “Kachchi Masjid,” was built on government land.
This case follows a similar incident in Haridwar, where a mosque gate was constructed in the Jwalapur area during a by-election. The structure was demolished after the election results were announced.
Local Hindu organisations have been challenging the construction of mosques, tombs, and madrasas in Haridwar. These groups have called for the Haridwar Kumbh area to be declared a “Sanatan zone”. Shri Ganga Sabha, a prominent religious body in the region, continues to push for stricter enforcement of anti-encroachment regulations.
Preparations for the upcoming local body elections are in full swing in Uttarakhand. The Election Commission has fixed the election on January 23.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net.
