23 mosques, madrassas razed across India in six weeks

Concerns are growing over reports of increasing demolitions of Muslim religious sites across India.

NEW DELHI: Concerns are growing over reports of increasing demolitions of Muslim religious sites across India. According to media reports, 23 mosques, madrassas, shrines and Eidgahs have been demolished in different parts of the country during the last 45 days.

Among the structures reportedly demolished was a mosque said to be nearly 1,000 years old. The reported demolitions have taken place in several Indian states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana.

Authorities have stated that the operations were part of anti-encroachment campaigns and infrastructure development projects. Officials said some structures were removed to facilitate road expansion and urban development works.

Indian authorities maintain that all actions were carried out under existing laws and administrative procedures. Officials insist that the demolitions followed legal requirements and were not directed against any particular community.

However, human rights organisations and community groups have raised serious concerns over the recent actions. They allege that in several cases the affected parties were not given sufficient notice before the demolitions were carried out.

Rights activists have also questioned whether all legal procedures were followed before the structures were removed. Some groups argue that due process and judicial safeguards must be ensured in every case involving places of worship and community institutions.

The issue has sparked debate over religious freedom and the protection of minority rights in India. Advocacy groups have called for greater transparency in the implementation of anti-encroachment drives and development projects involving religious sites.

US-based organisation “Justice For All” also expressed concern over the reported demolitions. The group called on authorities to ensure the equal application of the law and the protection of religious freedoms for all communities.

Observers say the developments have attracted international attention and renewed discussions on the treatment of religious minorities in India. Human rights advocates continue to call for impartial investigations wherever allegations of procedural violations emerge.