Friday, 22 SEPTEMBER 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) on Thursday sealed flats built under a housing scheme as it was allegedly being used to run mosques and Madarsa. The building was built for economically weaker sections (EWS) under a scheme but it was being used illegally contrary to its intended purpose, said the MDDA secretary MS Barnia. He informed that a few months ago, MDDA had received a complaint against a man named Latifurraham that he had allegedly changed the basic infrastructure of two flats located at Chander Road. Besides this, MDDA also received a complaint against him from the district administration stating that the flats were being allegedly used as a Madarsa and mosque where several people have been offering prayers. He said that taking cognisance of the matter, a case was filed against the accused under relevant sections. He said that MDDA teams decided to seal the said premises on July 10, 2023 after completing relevant procedures but the accused made an appeal against it before the Garhwal commissioner which was rejected. He again made an appeal before the commissioner after MDDA decided to seal the premises on July 31 which was rejected again. However, the accused submitted an affidavit stating that the said premises will not be used as a public religious place against its intended use. He assured that he will repair the structure of the building within a week or else, MDDA can freely act against him, said Barnia. He said that despite this, the district administration once again received a complaint on September 4 about religious activities taking place at the said site against the law. Taking cognisance of it, the MDDA team sealed the said premises in the presence of police and officials concerned.
It is pertinent to mention here that at a time when the State government is claiming to be acting sternly against land Jihad, the stance of the authorities in this case had elicited criticism from locals and Hindu groups with a protest march also being undertaken towards the chief minister’s residence seeking concrete action as per the law in this case.
