Row over expansion of mosque in Northeast Delhi: MCD revokes nod for work
“Permission was obtained on material misrepresentation and concealment of facts under the Saral Scheme. After a showcause [was issued], and based on the reply and other facts, the permission so obtained has been cancelled,” an MCD spokesperson said.
3 min read
Police have intensified patrolling in Brahmpuri. (Gajendra Yadav)Amid a row between residents over the expansion of a mosque in Northeast Delhi’s Brahmpuri, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has revoked permission for the work. “Permission was obtained on material misrepresentation and concealment of facts under the Saral Scheme. After a showcause [was issued], and based on the reply and other facts, the permission so obtained has been cancelled,” an MCD spokesperson said.
The Delhi Police has intensified patrolling in the area.
Al-Mateen Masjid, constructed in 2013, is in gali no. 13 of Brahmpuri. In 2023, trustees of the mosque purchased an adjacent plot in gali no. 12 and started construction work. However, work stopped in November that year after a PCR call was made by the area’s residents claiming the construction was illegal, said police. The trustees then approached the MCD and got permission to expand the structure on November 23, 2024. This would extend the masjid to gali no. 12, facing an old temple.
Construction resumed in February this year. On February 13, another complaint was filed by residents alleging the illegal construction of a structure adjacent to Al-Mateen mosque, police said. Following the complaint, on February 18, the MCD issued a showcause notice to Al-Mateen Welfare Society. Construction has been stopped since.
On Wednesday, three police personnel were seen patrolling the area while people sat outside their houses, some of which had ‘ye ghar bikau hai’ posters stuck on their walls.
Initially, residents had requested that the gate of the under-expansion masjid not be opened. Now, they have called for a complete halt in construction. “Why is it being built in front of the mandir when it’s already in gali no. 13?” asked Suman, 45, a resident of L block in gali no. 12.
People working with the masjid declined to comment.
A police officer said personnel from Usmanpur police station would be present in the area till the situation de-escalated.
On Monday, police said a complaint regarding stone pelting on the intervening night of March 2-3 was filed at New Usmanpur police station. Police, however, said claims of stone pelting couldn’t be corroborated. “No corroboration of the alleged incident was made. However, it’s pertinent to mention here there was no PCR call about the alleged incident narrated in the complaint,” DCP (Northeast) Ashish Mishra said.
You May Like
