Brahmpuri mosque annexe sparks protests

A controversy has emerged in Brahmpuri over the construction of an annexe to the Al Mateen Masjid, with local residents raising objections, police officials said on Tuesday.

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Officials stated that while the construction was initially halted last year due to concerns of unauthorised work, it resumed in February 2025 after securing the necessary permissions from the MCD.

The mosque, originally built in 2013 in Gali No. 13, was expanded after its trustees purchased adjacent land in Gali No. 12 in 2023. However, local concerns led to a PCR call in November 2023, prompting authorities to stop the work.

With official clearance, construction resumed in February 2025. However, a fresh complaint on February 13, 2025, alleged unauthorised construction.

“Upon verification, it was found that the Al Mateen Welfare Society was constructing an annexe to the existing mosque. They presented the permission granted by MCD, confirming the legitimacy of the construction,” the police stated.

Police added that local residents mainly objected to a new entrance opening into Gali No. 12, though no formal complaints or specific incidents of wrongdoing were cited. In response, the mosque’s management agreed not to open the gate into that lane.

On March 3, a complaint signed by 21 individuals alleged an incident of stone-throwing, However, the investigation found no corroborative evidence.

“A close watch is being maintained. To ensure law and order in Gali No. 12, Brahmpuri, continuous police patrolling is in place, with a round-the-clock vigil,” officials stated. Meanwhile, Delhi Police conducted a citywide patrolling on Tuesday night, from 9 pm to 2 am, to strengthen security across the Capital.