Madhya Pradesh declares Rahmat Masjid illegal structure, mosque rejects claim

The Madhya Pradesh administration has declared Rahmat Masjid in Kokta Anandnagar, Bhopal, India, an illegal structure, following a complaint from a Hindu organisation, Clarion India reported. It says the move has caused fear and anger among local Muslims who say the action is unfair and targeted.

According to official records, the tehsildar had passed an order nearly a year ago stating that the mosque was built on government land and should be removed. The order warned that if the structure was not taken down within seven days, the administration would carry out the action and recover the cost from the mosque committee.

Despite the mosque committee presenting documents to support its claim, officials rejected them after an inquiry and termed the papers “fake”. Media reports say the committee produced documents dating back to 1976, reportedly issued during the tenure of a local panchayat sarpanch. The administration, however, said the papers did not prove legal ownership of the land.

The action followed a complaint from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). Its state coordinator Jitendra Singh Chauhan claimed that government land was being encroached upon.

Muslim residents of the area reject the claim that the mosque is part of any land mafia activity. They argue that the language used by some groups has created a hostile atmosphere.

Legal experts point out that any demolition or removal must follow due process and offer equal treatment under the law.

Community leaders have urged the state government to intervene and stop what they see as selective action.

As of now, the mosque continues to stand, with no fresh date announced for action. The issue has become another flashpoint in a state where Muslim groups say religious sites are increasingly questioned after complaints from Hindu organisations, raising serious concerns about equality, justice, and trust in public institutions.