DDA Razes Mangolpuri Shrine Labeling It Illegal Encroachment; Caretakers Claim Century-Old Heritage Site

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) demolished a structure known as Dargah Panch Peeran in Mangolpuri Industrial Area Phase-II early Wednesday. The action took place under heavy police presence. Authorities stated the shrine was an illegal encroachment on government land. However, caretakers claimed the dargah was over 100 years old and held deep religious and historical value.

According to the DDA, the demolition followed all required legal steps. A religious committee had approved the action, and formal procedures were completed. A DDA spokesperson said the structure was clearly an unauthorized construction on government land. The agency added that a show-cause notice was issued in 2024, but the response from occupants was not sufficient.

Maqbool Hasan, a caretaker linked to the shrine, strongly opposed the demolition. He said his family had maintained the dargah for generations. He claimed no proper notice was given this week. He stated that police arrived between 4 and 5 a.m. and threatened them. He even pleaded with the Station House Officer (SHO) to halt the action until court proceedings could occur, but was threatened with arrest. By then, most of the structure had already been torn down.

Delhi Police deployed three teams at the site starting around 6 a.m. Some local residents tried to protest, but were removed to maintain order. Officials reported that nearly 90% of the structure was demolished. They emphasized that only the encroached portion was targeted, and no nearby properties were damaged.

After the demolition, legal representatives of the caretakers sent a formal notice to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Delhi Police, and the DDA. They argued the action violated due process and Supreme Court guidelines. The notice stated the shrine had existed peacefully for decades and should not have been demolished without proper legal proceedings.

The DDA maintained that the structure was built without authorization on government land. Officials insisted due process was followed, including prior notice and formal approval. They described the demolition as a necessary step to enforce land laws against encroachments.