Mosque’s ‘illegal’ extension angers south Delhi residents (Third Lead)

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. However, the representatives of the mosque refused to comment.

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 (Saturday) 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 Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) H.G.S. Dhaliwal to personally look into it.”

“We have stopped the construction till the issue is resolved,” Kashyap said.

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

The mosque representatives, however, refused to talk about the issue when they were approached by mediapersons.

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