In an incident that sparked widespread outrage, local authorities in Haryana state, northern India, demolished the "Aksha" mosque, which dates back nearly 50 years, in the village of "Purkhāl" in Faridabad on Tuesday, April 15. This action comes amid the rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), known for its extreme Hindu nationalist tendencies.

Legal Concerns:

 According to news reports, residents in the area stated that the demolition was carried out while the case was still pending before the Supreme Court, raising legal and ethical questions about the decision.

Authorities' Response:

The city administration justified the move by claiming that the mosque was an "illegal structure" and that the removal took place under court orders, as stated by the Faridabad municipal body. They emphasized that the demolition decision was not impulsive but had been planned in advance.

Local Residents' Stance:

However, the Muslim residents of the village consider the demolition a unilateral and provocative act. "Mushtaq," a local resident, stated that the authorities did not issue any prior notice and suddenly proceeded to demolish the mosque, which had been built years ago on land donated by a prominent villager. He added that the mosque was used regularly by Muslims for prayer.

Demolition Process:

The demolition process was accompanied by a heavy police presence, with three police assistant commissioners present at the site. The operation began with the removal of the surrounding shops, followed by the destruction of the mosque, a step many described as "pre-planned."

Public Reactions:

This incident sparked local protests, while social media erupted with angry reactions, with many calling the decision "inciting and unjustified." Human rights activists and civil society members sharply criticized the administration, questioning the legality of this action while the case is still under review in the Supreme Court.