-Firasha Shaikh
PUNE—Given the current climate in the country of targeting mosques for demolition by declaring them unauthorized or illegal, it is very easy for rumours to spread regarding the alleged demolition of mosques and dargahs. Pune’s Kasba Peth area was the scene of heightened activity on March 8 as rumours spread about the demolition of the Sheikh Salahuddin Dargah Masjid near the 14th-century shrine – Dhakta Sheikh Sallah Dargah.
However, the rumours were put to rest soon after it was confirmed that there was no intention to demolish the actual mosque itself, rather only the mosque’s extension which was an unauthorised construction built in 2019.
Thorla Sheikh Salla Dargah (Image courtesy: Sahapedia)
The arrival of Municipal Corporation’s bulldozers on Friday set off rumours of subsequent demolition. Residents of the Kasba Peth area issued public calls on Instagram and WhatsApp to gather in the area to register protest against the demolition.
Screengrab of a video uploaded to Instagram by a local. The text reads (English translation from Hindi):
“Preparations to shaheed, (i.e. demolish) Pune’s Sheikh Salahuddin Dargah are under way. All Pune brethren are requested to reach the area quickly.”
By midnight, large crowds of residents of the nearby locality as well as other concerned citizens had gathered, protesting the demolition of the mosque, including women and youngsters. Videos sent by locals on WhatsApp show people gathered in crowds, rushing towards the mosque area waving their hands in protest, as police officials stood in the midst. Several people can be seen recording photos and videos on their mobile phones, a few with cameras. A few even raised slogans calling on authorities to not demolish the mosque. Heavy police presence ensued.
Video screengrabs: Visuals from the night of 8th March, Friday, 2024 (Image credits: Local sources via WhatsApp)
Video screengrabs: Bulldozers and barricades (Image credits: Local sources via WhatsApp)
By the next day March 9, hundreds of people had gathered behind police barricades, raising slogans in protest.
People gathered inside the mosque’s interiors continuing to raise slogans. In a video, amidst sloganeering by the people gathered, an official standing next to one of the mosque’s trust members, can be heard trying to reassure the crowd that the matter is going to be discussed forthwith.
Video screengrabs: People protesting inside the mosque. (Image credits: Local sources via WhatsApp)
It was then, brought to light, that municipal authorities had no intention to demolish the actual mosque itself, rather they intended to demolish only the mosque’s extension which was built in 2019 and was an unauthorised construction.
Public notice issued by Chhota Sheikh Sallah Dargah Trust (in Marathi language).
Members of the Mosque Trust issued a public notice explaining that they would assume the responsibility of removing the unauthorised construction themselves after discussion with the municipal and police authorities. They further assured that no part of the mosque itself, built in 1927, would be harmed during the removal. They mentioned that the municipal corporation agreed to provide all possible assistance for renovation, i.e. removal of the existing structure according to the law. All further steps would be taken as per legal norms. They requested citizens and residents to cooperate with them in this matter.
By the evening of March 9, a local source posted on WhatsApp:
“The Shaikh Salahuddin Dargha masjid dispute has been resolved. The managing trustees have agreed to remove the illegal structure constructed after 2019. The Commissioner of Police, Amitesh Kumar ji and the Municipal Commissioner, Vikram Kumar ji (sic) handled the situation very tactfully. Regards.”
As of March 9, Saturday evening, another local source reported that there were approximately one thousand worshippers who had seated themselves inside the mosque premises.
The Masjid Trust subsequently issued a public notice in Marathi language that ended the confusion and tension.
“The Trust is ready to remove the unauthorised extension of the new mosque building in the area of Chhota Sheikh Salla Darya itself,” the notice said, requesting people “to cooperate with the Dargah Trust and the administration.”
The trust said that the decision to remove the unauthorised additions like doors, windows and brick constructions had been taken after discussions with municipal corporation and police authorities.
