Alaknanda residents allege police inaction on mosque construction

NEW DELHI - Residents in south Delhi’s Alaknanda area Sunday complained of police inaction over alleged illegal construction in a local mosque.

Some 10-15 residents protested Sunday morning near Madni Mosque located in the Aravali Apartments complex alleging that the room the construction of which was begun by the mosque authorities Saturday night to expand its premises into the residential area was in violation of court restrictions.

“We called police last night to tell them about the construction but they said they cannot do anything. Even this morning the mosque authorities continued construction despite our protests,” a resident of the complex told IANS.

Joint Commissioner of Police (South) Ajay Kashyap told IANS: “We are looking into the matter and trying to find a solution. I have called up the Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) H.G.S. Dhaliwal to personally look into it.”

The mosque is located at Gate no. 10 of Aravali Apartments.

Last year, the Delhi High Court had dismissed a contempt petition by residents after getting an assurance from police that the area beyond the mosque boundary will be kept free of devotees who offer prayers there.