Delhi demolition drive: ‘Why action only against Muslims, or is it because it’s a mosque?’ asks Maulana Sajid Rashidi

NEW DELHI: On the anti-encroachment demolition drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, Turkman Gate on Wednesday, All India Imam Association President Maulana Sajid Rashidi raised concerns over the selective targeting of the mosque.

Maulana said, “When such encroachments are removed, these things are bound to happen. The biggest question is how our judiciary finds the time to pass judgments on these matters and entertain such cases when we have 3.5 crore cases pending.”




He highlighted similar encroachments elsewhere, noting, “Near this mosque, in the Ramlila Maidan, there is also a temple. There is encroachment there, too. No action is taken against it. If you go a little further from Delhi Gate, near Maulana Azad Medical College, there is a temple built on the road. A temple is built right on the road. No action is taken against it. You will find these encroachments in many places. Why was action taken here? Because it was a mosque. That's why action was taken against it. If it had been a temple, perhaps no action would have been taken. Many temples are built on the road.”

He added that his questions were based on facts, urging both the judiciary and the police to consider why such action appears to target only Muslims or mosques.

Rashidi also condemned the stone-pelting that occurred during the drive, saying, “I condemn the stone-pelting that happened; it shouldn't have happened because the order is, after all, from the judiciary, from the court, so such things shouldn't happen in light of the court's order. They should understand why the action is being taken. But the questions I have raised are also based on facts. The judiciary should also think about this, and the police should also think about why this action is taken only against Muslims or because it's a mosque?.”

Delhi Police have arrested five people in connection with a stone-pelting incident that occurred near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, Turkman Gate, during an anti-encroachment demolition drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Sources said Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi was present in the area when the incident took place.

The operation began soon after midnight, with around 17 bulldozers, excavators, and other heavy machinery deployed at the site. Authorities said the drive was meticulously planned, with the area divided into several zones under the supervision of senior officials. Rapid Action Force personnel were stationed at strategic locations, and additional police units were deployed to maintain law and order.

Traffic advisories were issued in advance, warning commuters of possible congestion around Ramlila Maidan and nearby roads. Diversions were also put in place to ensure smooth vehicular movement.

(With agency inputs)