‘Illegal’ extension of mosque angers south Delhi residents (Second Lead, superseding earlier story)

NEW DELHI - There was tension in south Delhi’s Alaknanda neighbourhood Sunday over a complaint by residents who alleged illegal expansion of a mosque in their apartment complex in violation of court orders.

Residents protested Sunday morning around Madni Mosque located in the Aravali Apartments complex alleging mosque authorities had begun illegally constructing a room Saturday that was intruding into the residential premises. This, they said, was in violation of court restrictions.

“We called the 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, pleading anonymity.

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.