Uttarakhand: Illegal construction of Jamalpur Kalan Mosque draws Hindu outrage

The construction of a mosque in Jamalpur Kalan near Haridwar has sparked strong objections from Hindu organisations, who allege that fundamentalist groups took advantage of the administration’s focus on local elections to expedite the illegal construction.

The mosque, previously operating out of a tin shed, saw rapid overnight development with high walls erected and signage placed. The construction work, reportedly done without the required permissions, drew immediate backlash from local Hindu groups.

Amit Multanian, a leader from a Hindu organisation, lodged a formal complaint with the Haridwar-Roorkee Development Authority (HRDA). Following an investigation, HRDA Vice President Anshul Singh confirmed that the construction was unauthorised. “A complaint was received from Bajrang Dal regarding illegal construction. Our engineers investigated the site and found the complaint to be valid. The building was sealed, and a notice has been issued to the responsible parties,” Singh stated.

The Supreme Court mandates that any construction or repair of religious structures requires prior approval from the District Magistrate (DM) or the relevant authority. No such approval had been obtained for this mosque. Reports indicate that the initial structure, referred to as a “Kachchi Masjid,” was built on government land, further raising concerns about encroachment.

This incident follows a similar case earlier in Haridwar, where an illegal mosque gate was constructed in the Jwalapur area during a by-election. The structure was demolished by authorities after election results were declared.

Local Hindu organisations have expressed outrage, citing a pattern of illegal constructions, including mosques, tombs, and madrasas, in Haridwar. They have called for the Haridwar Kumbh area to be declared a “Sanatan zone,” emphasising the city’s cultural and religious significance.

The issue has also revived discussions around the Municipal Corporation’s by-laws, which previously included restrictions on non-Hindus accessing Haridwar’s ghats. Shri Ganga Sabha, a prominent religious body, continues to advocate for stricter enforcement of these regulations.