Premium

Declared illegal and marked for demolition: Security up at Sanjauli mosque ahead of Friday prayers

Dev Bhoomi Committee wants power, water connections cut

3 min readShimlaUpdated: Nov 20, 2025 10:21 PM IST

The mosque has been declared an illegal structure by the Municipal Corporation Court and later, the District Court. (Source: File)

Police have made adequate security arrangements around the Sanjauli mosque following a demand by the members of Dev Bhoomi Sangharsh Samiti, who have been on an indefinite hunger strike for the past three days, that they will block the traffic movement if the water and electricity connection to the shrine were not disconnected by Friday.

The mosque has been declared an illegal structure by the Municipal Corporation Court and later, the District Court.

Samiti Convener Madan Thakur, who is among those sitting on hunger strike outside Sanjauli police station, said, “We will not go towards the mosque, but if the administration does not disconnect the electricity and water connections, we will block the Sanjauli chowk. It has almost been a month since the mosque was declared illegal, but the local administration is yet to seal the structure”.

Vikas Thapta, who is also among those sitting on indefinite strike, said, “We can’t stop anyone from practising his/her religious rights. If someone wants to perform prayers at a particular location then who are we to stop them? But why the namaz at a disputed site? This is not permissible even in Islam. But if the administration does not disconnect the connections of the disputed structure, we will hold a traffic jam at Sanjauli.”

Mohammed Latif, president Sanjauli Mosque Committee, said, “We can’t stop someone from performing namaz in the mosque. People are calling me asking whether they can come for the Friday prayers or not. I told them to decide on their own. The police have made certain security arrangements.”

Maulvi at the mosque, Maulana Shahzad Alam declined to make any comments.

Police, meanwhile, tightened the security to prevent any breach of peace. Shimla SP Sanjeev Gandhi said, “We will not allow any unlawful activity in the Sanjauli area. Certain members of an organisation are sitting on strike with demands that fall under the jurisdiction of the district administration, not the police. But no one will be allowed to disturb public harmony”.

Story continues below this ad

He added that additional police forces had already been deployed in the area. “Any antisocial elements attempting to disrupt the peace will be dealt with strictly,” he said.

The Sanjauli mosque has been at the centre of a long-standing controversy. Nearly three years ago, the Municipal Corporation Court and later the District Court held that portions of the mosque were constructed without mandatory approvals, categorising them as illegal extensions. Since then, the Dev Bhoomi Sangharsh Samiti has been demanding the removal of the alleged encroached structure, cessation of religious activities, and disconnection of basic utilities.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Loading Taboola...