New Delhi: Before dawn on Tuesday, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) carried out the demolition of a 600-year-old mosque in South Delhi’s Mehrauli neighborhood.
The historic Akhonji Masjid, which housed Madrassa Bahrul Uloom and sacred graves, was razed without prior notice, Clarion India reported.
A video shared by Hate Detector X account showed a video of armed forces personnel standing deployed while the mosque was being bulldozed.
The mosque’s Imam, Zakir Hussain, revealed that the operation was conducted discreetly, with debris strategically removed to hide it from the public.
DDA officials, accompanied by a significant police presence, not only demolished the mosque but also confiscated phones, preventing documentation.
The Imam alleged denial of access to the Holy Qur’an copies and vandalism of belongings of madrassa students.
This incident unfolded amid a broader demolition drive in the Sanjay Van area, targeting temples, dargahs, and graveyards.
The DDA justified the removals as complying with Ridge Management Board orders to clear illegal encroachments.
The mosque’s demolition contradicts earlier DDA assurances to the Delhi High Court not to demolish mosques, graveyards, or legally owned Waqf property in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park.
Citizens express outrage on social media, raising constitutional concerns and drawing parallels with selective demolitions affecting Muslim-owned properties, sparking worries about religious freedom and cultural heritage protection.
