Midnight Demolition Razes Delhi Mosque, Sparks Political Firestorm in Shalimar Bagh

In a controversial late-night operation, civic authorities in Delhi's Shalimar Bagh demolished portions of the 30-year-old Madina Mosque and adjoining structures on Max Hospital Road, citing an anti-encroachment and road-widening exercise. The action, carried out under heavy security and reportedly with lights turned off, has ignited a fresh political row, with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) strongly questioning the timing and legality of the move. The demolition is part of an ongoing 'road-widening project' for Road No. 320, a scheme earlier upheld by the Delhi High Court and even the Supreme Court, which allowed for the clearance of 'illegal encroachments' by May 30, 2026. However, local residents and mosque committee members contend that they were not shown proper demolition orders and that an existing court matter concerning the mosque was still pending for October. AIMIM Delhi President Shoaib Jamai slammed the midnight 'bulldozer action' as unconstitutional, alleging authorities gave no time to retrieve religious scriptures, while Congress leader Udit Raj accused officials of unequal application of law, suggesting religious bias. With demolition operations now temporarily halted, the focus shifts to the intense political and community reactions unfolding across Delhi. The Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind convened a major meeting today to address the broader pattern of 'bulldozer action' against religious structures, signaling a potential for wider protests and legal challenges. This incident underlines the escalating tensions between urban development initiatives and the protection of religious and community structures, especially as anti-encroachment drive intensify across the capital.