Tensions Rise Over Mosque Construction Dispute in Meerut

Meerut, September 13 (Daily Kiran) : A dispute over the construction of a mosque in the Kesarganj Dal Mandi area of Meerut has intensified, leading to confrontations between two groups. On Sunday, both parties filed complaints at the local police station, prompting an official investigation.

According to police sources, construction work at the mosque began three days ago. Local merchants claimed that the work was being carried out without the necessary permits. Following their complaints, police intervened and halted the construction. However, the situation escalated on Sunday.

Merchant Ishwar Chand alleged that the mosque’s imam and other individuals assaulted him and issued threats. In response to this complaint, police detained the imam and his son for questioning at the Railway Road police station.

As news of the imam’s detention spread, members of Hindu organizations arrived at the station, demanding action against those involved. Hindu nationalist leader Sachin Sirohi also joined the protest.

On the other side, leaders and activists from the AIMIM and the Samajwadi Party gathered at the police station as well. They accused Sirohi and a media worker of attempting to forcibly enter the mosque, an action that the imam opposed.

The opposing group contended that Sirohi was trying to incite communal tensions under the guise of Hindu activism, suggesting an attempt to frame the incident in a Hindu-Muslim context.

Both parties have submitted complaints against each other at the police station. In light of the rising tensions, a significant police presence has been deployed to the area.

Meerut SP City Vinayak Bhosale stated, “We received information about construction at the Kesarganj Mandi mosque, which was reportedly occurring without permission. The construction was halted by mutual agreement. There was some disagreement during a media interview, leading to a minor altercation. Police intervened immediately, and the situation is currently under control. Preventive action is being taken against those named in the complaints.”