Lucknow: A 168-year-old mosque in Meerut was demolished late Friday night as part of the ongoing Rapid Rail and Metro corridor projects.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the mosque was located along the construction path managed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). The demolition was overseen by police and administrative officials.

The demolition began on Thursday when individuals started dismantling the mosque using hammers. By early Friday morning, a bulldozer completed the task, with green screens set up around the site for privacy.

Authorities had initially cut off the mosque’s electricity on February 20. The following day, all movable items were removed from the premises, and by Thursday afternoon, demolition work had commenced.

NCRTC officials had repeatedly requested the removal of the mosque. On Thursday night, Additional District Magistrate (City) Brijesh Kumar Singh, along with NCRTC officials, visited the site and met with local representatives prior to the demolition.

Haji Swaleheen, representing the mosque’s management, claimed possession of legal documents dating back to 1857 that confirmed the mosque’s existence. He also noted that Friday prayers were not conducted at the mosque on the day of its demolition.