Moradabad mosque under scrutiny over construction, authorities seek papers

The Moradabad Development Authority has sought construction papers and map details for Mustafa Mosque after a complaint. Mosque representatives dispute any irregularity and say they will respond under the rules.MDA sends notice to Mustafa Mosque.A controversy has erupted over a mosque in UP's Moradabad after authorities issued a notice seeking documents and map details related to its construction.Mustafa Mosque, located opposite Teerthanker Mahaveer University on Delhi Road, covers about 300 square meters. The Moradabad Development Authority (MDA) sent the notice after receiving a complaint alleging that the construction map had not been approved.The notice asks the mosque management to submit documents showing approval for the construction. The authority has also cited concerns related to the road and traffic in the area.MDA Vice-Chancellor Anubhav Singh said the authority received a complaint claiming that the mosque's map had not been approved. "Consequently, a notice was issued seeking relevant documents," Singh said.He said the authority was examining the documents and that no further action had been decided. Any action would be taken according to the rules after the documents are examined and the investigation is completed, he said. The mosque's Imam, Mohammad Shan Azhari, disputed any suggestion that the building was newly constructed. He said the mosque was decades old and that prayers had been offered there regularly since the time of his ancestors.Azhari also rejected concerns that the mosque obstructed traffic on Delhi Road.He said the management would respond to the MDA notice according to the rules. The mosque’s Mutawalli (manager) Zeeshan, his son Farid Jabbar and the management committee will pursue legal action in the matter, he added.The MDA notice does not by itself establish that the mosque was built without approval. The authority said it would decide its next course of action only after examining the documents and completing its investigation.- EndsInputs by Jagat GautamPublished By: Devika BhattacharyaPublished On: Sep 8, 2026 12:53 IST