Illegal mosque and madarasa demolished in Chimbali village, Pune

The State Government became active only after the issue was highlighted by Sudarshan News

Pune – A mosque and madarasa constructed illegally in Chimbali village in Rajgurunagar Tehsil were demolished by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). Shakir Ismail had undertaken large-scale illegal construction of a mosque, madarasa, cemetery and prayer site in survey numbers 200 and 205 of Chimbali Gram Panchayat under the guise of building an Islamic religious site and hospital. Hundreds of people were reportedly called for Friday prayers every week. Local villagers, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal strongly opposed this illegal construction. The issue was prominently raised by Sudarshan News, after which the government took action. (The administration should have acted earlier, instead of waiting for the issue to get exposed – Editor).

🏛️🚜 Action Taken in Chimbali, Pune!

Following a report by @SudarshanNewsMH, the Maharashtra Govt has demolished an illegal Masjid and Madrasa 🕌 in Chimbali village.

However, it’s concerning that such illegal constructions were ignored initially.

Why should villagers or… pic.twitter.com/wOcEv4RGdg

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) January 24, 2025

1. A resolution was passed in a Chimbali Gram Panchayat meeting declaring that no permissions would be granted for such constructions under any circumstances. It was further stated that if such activities persisted, then the villagers would demolish the illegal structures.

2. Repeated complaints were filed with the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, District Collector, and PMRDA Commissioner. Following Sudarshan News’ report, the Government immediately ordered an inquiry and strict action. Senior officials from PMRDA, along with Pimpri-Chinchwad Police, demolished the illegal construction.

3. Bajrang Dal District Coordinator Nana Sawant stated that there is not a single Muslim household in the village, yet such a massive mosque was under construction.

4. When the construction began in 2018, villagers submitted petitions to the administration to halt the illegal activity. However, due to the administration’s negligence, the construction continued. Adjacent land was also acquired subsequently to expand the illegal structure.

5. After complaints were submitted to the Police, the construction was temporarily halted.

Editorial Perspective

It is disgraceful for the administration that despite large-scale illegal construction, locals or Hindu organisations had to raise the issue instead of the administration acting on its own.