News for 'mosques'

Docs, cleric, businessmen: Meet 'Group of 7' held for Delhi blast

Docs, cleric, businessmen: Meet 'Group of 7' held for Delhi blast

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

According to police, the group of seven used "encrypted channels for indoctrination, coordination, movement, and logistics."

Did Al Falah doc linked to Delhi blast accused attend AIIMS interview?

Did Al Falah doc linked to Delhi blast accused attend AIIMS interview?

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Delhi Police have detained three individuals, including two doctors, in connection with the car explosion near the Red Fort. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities questioning multiple people and examining potential links to a wider terror module.

SC stays survey of Sambhal mosque, calls for peace

SC stays survey of Sambhal mosque, calls for peace

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court on Friday directed a Sambhal trial court to temporarily halt proceedings in the case over the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid and its survey at Chandausi while directing the UP government to maintain peace and harmony in the violence-hit town.

Shimla mosque row ends as demolition of illegal portion begins

Shimla mosque row ends as demolition of illegal portion begins

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

The demolition started with the removal of the roof amid tight police security, Latif told the PTI on Monday evening.

Delhi police reconstruct Umar Nabi's chilling terror run

Delhi police reconstruct Umar Nabi's chilling terror run

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

Delhi Police reconstructs the journey of Dr. Umar Nabi, accused in the Red Fort blast, using CCTV footage, revealing his movements from Haryana to Delhi and meticulous planning to avoid detection.

Encroachment drive launched around Sambhal mosque amid tension

Encroachment drive launched around Sambhal mosque amid tension

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Weeks after violent clashes over a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, the district administration in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has launched a campaign against encroachments and illegal power theft in the area around the historic mosque. The administration began removing encroachments on Sunday morning, focusing on clearing drains outside houses and shops. The operation uncovered an illegal stockpile of domestic gas cylinders in a house, and the electricity department unearthed illegal connections in four mosques and a madrasa. The Bhasma Shankar temple, which was reopened by the district administration, has resumed regular worship.

ASI seeks control of Sambhal mosque post violence, cites heritage status

ASI seeks control of Sambhal mosque post violence, cites heritage status

Rediff.com1 Dec 2024

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has sought control and management of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, citing its status as a protected heritage structure. The request comes after violence erupted during a court-ordered survey of the mosque, which was linked to a petition claiming that a Harihar temple once stood at the site. The ASI has argued that unauthorized changes to the mosque's structure by the management committee are unlawful and should be restricted. A three-member judicial commission has been formed to probe the violence and is expected to visit Sambhal on Sunday.

After Shimla, Hindu groups protest against Mandi mosque

After Shimla, Hindu groups protest against Mandi mosque

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

"PWD officials had informed us that a wall of the mosque was in PWD land and we were served a notice. So we decided to demolish the wall," Iqbal Ali, a member of the mosque committee, said earlier.

Judicial panel visits Sambhal mosque, violence-hit areas

Judicial panel visits Sambhal mosque, violence-hit areas

Rediff.com1 Dec 2024

Amid tight security, members of a judicial commission on Sunday visited the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal and other areas which witnessed violence over a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era mosque.

DGP asks police to probe how Al Falah became terror hideout

DGP asks police to probe how Al Falah became terror hideout

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

Haryana DGP O P Singh visited Al Falah University in Faridabad to investigate security lapses after the discovery of a terror module linked to the university. The investigation follows a blast near the Red Fort and the busting of a 'white-collar' terror module.

The Delhi Blast: What We Know So Far

The Delhi Blast: What We Know So Far

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Ten days after the devastating car explosion near the Red Fort, in which 13 people lost their lives and several others were injured, investigators say the incident is part of a broader terror conspiracy involving a professional network of radicalised individuals based in Faridabad, Saharanpur and Kashmir.

Now protesters demand demolition of Kullu mosque, clash with police

Now protesters demand demolition of Kullu mosque, clash with police

Rediff.com30 Sep 2024

Hindu outfits that took out a march in Kullu demanding the demolition of the mosque were involved in a scuffle with the police on Monday.

Imam fined Rs 2 lakh for loudspeaker use in Sambhal mosque

Imam fined Rs 2 lakh for loudspeaker use in Sambhal mosque

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

Days after violence erupted over a survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal, an imam of another mosque was fined Rs 2 lakh for allegedly using a loudspeaker at high volume. The incident occurred in the Anar Wali Masjid, prompting authorities to take action. The imam, identified as Tahzeeb, was fined and granted bail, with orders to refrain from similar conduct for six months. The incident comes amid ongoing tensions in Sambhal following the November 24 violence during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, which resulted in four deaths and several injuries. The incident has become a major political controversy, with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra raising the issue in Parliament.

Can rising temple-mosque disputes shape UP polls in 2027?

Can rising temple-mosque disputes shape UP polls in 2027?

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

With the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls scheduled for 2027, political experts are observing an increasing trend of temple-mosque disputes in the state, leading to heightened polarization. Recent bypolls saw the use of divisive slogans, and analysts believe this trend will intensify as the 2027 elections approach. The recent surge in claims about the existence of Hindu temples at the sites of mosques in various cities has fueled this polarization. The BJP-led government has been accused of promoting communal polarization, while opposition parties like the SP have criticized the ruling party's actions. The RSS chief has called for restraint in raising new temple-related disputes. Experts predict that communal polarization is likely to escalate in the coming days.

Friday prayers pass off peacefully in Bareilly amid tight security

Friday prayers pass off peacefully in Bareilly amid tight security

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Security was beefed up in Bareilly after violence following Friday prayers the previous week. Prayers passed off peacefully with heavy security presence and appeals for peace from religious leaders. Restrictions remained in place and arrests were made in connection with the previous violence.

Over 50 detained in Hazratbal Ashoka emblem vandalism case

Over 50 detained in Hazratbal Ashoka emblem vandalism case

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

Police have detained over 50 people for questioning after a plaque with the Ashoka emblem was vandalized at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar. The incident has sparked controversy, with political parties and religious figures expressing outrage.

Red Fort blast: 3 doctors, preacher in NIA custody

Red Fort blast: 3 doctors, preacher in NIA custody

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday took custody of three doctors and a preacher who were arrested in connection with the November 10 car blast outside the Red Fort in which 15 people were killed.

SC to hear Sambhal mosque survey plea on Friday

SC to hear Sambhal mosque survey plea on Friday

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court of India will hear a petition challenging a district court's order to survey a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The petition alleges that the hasty survey has led to communal tensions and violence, resulting in deaths and injuries. The petitioners argue that the survey was ordered without proper notice or hearing, and they seek a stay on the proceedings and a directive to prevent such surveys from being ordered as a matter of course in cases involving disputes over places of worship.

Sambhal mosque survey report delayed, advocate commissioner 'ill'

Sambhal mosque survey report delayed, advocate commissioner 'ill'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

The survey report of the Shahi Jama Masjid at Sambhal expected on Monday, was not presented by the advocate commissioner entrusted with it, after he sought an extension of 15 days citing ill health.

Sambhal court asks for mosque survey report in 10 days

Sambhal court asks for mosque survey report in 10 days

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

A court in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has directed the court-appointed commissioner to submit a survey report on the Jama Masjid mosque within 10 days. The survey was ordered following claims that a temple stood on the site. The court set the next hearing date for January 8. Tensions have been escalating in Sambhal since November 19 when the survey began, leading to violence on November 24 that resulted in four deaths and injuries.

How 2 OGWs' arrest in J-K led cops to terror module, 2900 kg explosives

How 2 OGWs' arrest in J-K led cops to terror module, 2900 kg explosives

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

Jammu and Kashmir police busted an interstate and trans-national terror module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad and Ansar Ghazwatul Hind, leading to the seizure of a large quantity of arms and explosives. The investigation involved arrests in multiple states and revealed the involvement of doctors and other individuals in the terror network.

Centre delaying reply on Worship Act, Mathura mosque panel tells SC

Centre delaying reply on Worship Act, Mathura mosque panel tells SC

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

The Mathura Shahi Masjid Eidgah Committee has approached the Supreme Court, requesting the court to prevent the central government from filing a response to a petition challenging the Places of Worship Act's constitutional validity. The committee accuses the BJP-led government of intentionally delaying its response. The court had previously issued a notice to the government in March 2021, but the government has yet to submit its reply despite numerous opportunities. The committee argues that the government's delay is intended to obstruct those opposing the challenge to the Places of Worship Act from filing their own responses. The petition also states that the pleas challenging the law's validity are scheduled for hearing on February 17, and closing the government's right to respond would serve justice. The Supreme Court previously issued a ruling in December 2022 that stopped courts from entertaining new lawsuits or issuing interim or final orders regarding the reclaiming of religious places, particularly mosques and dargahs. The ruling halted proceedings in 18 lawsuits filed by Hindu groups seeking surveys to confirm the original religious character of 10 mosques, including the Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi, the Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura, and the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. This decision was made in response to six petitions, including one filed by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, challenging various provisions of the Places of Worship Act. The 1991 law prohibits the conversion of places of worship and guarantees the preservation of their existing religious character as it stood on August 15, 1947. Notably, the dispute regarding the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid in Ayodhya was excluded from this law. There are also several cross-petitions advocating for a strict enforcement of the 1991 law to uphold communal harmony and maintain the current status of mosques that Hindu groups seek to reclaim, claiming they were temples before being destroyed by invaders.

Delhi blast linked to posters appeared in Srinagar on Oct 19?

Delhi blast linked to posters appeared in Srinagar on Oct 19?

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

Investigation into the Red Fort blast reveals links to a Jaish-e-Mohammad module, leading to arrests and the seizure of a large quantity of explosives and weapons.

Maharashtra mosque hosts Lord Ganesha for 44 years

Maharashtra mosque hosts Lord Ganesha for 44 years

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

Although the festival was not observed for several years afterwards, the New Ganesh Mandal was formed in 1980 and has continued this unique tradition ever since.

Fresh demand to demolish of another 'illegal' Shimla mosque

Fresh demand to demolish of another 'illegal' Shimla mosque

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

Last Wednesday, protestors demanding demolition of a portion of a mosque in Sanjauli area of Shimla had a scuffle with the police and 10 people were injured.

SC to hear Owaisi's plea seeking to halt mosque surveys

SC to hear Owaisi's plea seeking to halt mosque surveys

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to consider a plea of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi seeking the implementation of the 1991 places of worship law, which asks to maintain the religious character of a place as it existed on August 15, 1947.

Suicide-bombing recruit reveals 'doctor module' plot

Suicide-bombing recruit reveals 'doctor module' plot

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

The sophisticated 'white-collar' terror module, spearheaded by a group of doctors recently busted by Jammu and Kashmir Police, had been actively scouting for a suicide bomber since last year, with key planner Dr Umar Nabi pushing the agenda, officials said on Sunday.

Pak moves towards integrated command after May conflict with India

Pak moves towards integrated command after May conflict with India

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Pakistan is considering creating a new position of 'Commander of Defence Forces' (CDF) to improve coordination and unified command among its military services, according to media reports. The move is part of broader defence reforms and is reportedly influenced by recent conflicts and the evolving nature of modern warfare.

Violence erupts during mosque survey in UP; 3 killed

Violence erupts during mosque survey in UP; 3 killed

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

Three people were killed and scores of others, including around 20 security personnel and four personnel of the administration, were injured as protesters opposing a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh clashed with police on Sunday.

No terror angle in Kanpur blast, firecrackers triggered explosion: Police

No terror angle in Kanpur blast, firecrackers triggered explosion: Police

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

A massive explosion in Kanpur's Mishri Bazaar was caused by illegal firecracker storage, not a scooter explosion, police confirm. Terror links have been ruled out, and several arrests have been made.

Govt terms Delhi car blast a terrorist incident; denounces attack

Govt terms Delhi car blast a terrorist incident; denounces attack

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

The Indian government has officially classified the car explosion outside the Red Fort as a terrorist incident, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly. The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and expressed condolences for the victims.

Dr Umar Nabi planned a massive blast in Delhi close to Babri anniv but....

Dr Umar Nabi planned a massive blast in Delhi close to Babri anniv but....

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

Officials reveal details of a foiled Jaish-e-Mohammed terror plot involving a doctor who planned a bomb blast near the Red Fort, timed around the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary. Arrests and investigations uncovered the interstate network.

Hindu groups protest against 'illegal' mosque in Shimla

Hindu groups protest against 'illegal' mosque in Shimla

Rediff.com6 Sep 2024

The Sanjauli area was choked as the protesters took out a march. The area teemed with hundreds of demonstrators, several of whom carried Hindu religion insignia, such as saffron flags and banners bearing Lord Ram's image and the protesters demanded demolition of the illegal mosque in 15 days.

NIA nabs Delhi bomber's Kashmir aide linked to drone, rocket plot

NIA nabs Delhi bomber's Kashmir aide linked to drone, rocket plot

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

The National Investigation Agency has arrested Jasir Bilal Wani in Srinagar, who was an "active co-conspirator" of suicide bomber Umar un Nabi, in connection with the car blast near the Red Fort last week that claimed 13 lives.

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Deepa Thoon controversy, if not allowed to die a natural death, could take the election focus away from the anti-incumbency impacting the DMK and into the secular space. Stalin would love to have it that way, all over again, after the three past elections, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

'I Love Muhammad' row: Cong MP, SP MLA stopped from visiting Bareilly

'I Love Muhammad' row: Cong MP, SP MLA stopped from visiting Bareilly

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

Congress MP Imran Masood and Samajwadi Party MLA Shahnavaz Khan were prevented by police from visiting Bareilly following recent clashes. The leaders planned to meet with police officials but were confined to their residences.

HC rejects Muslim side's plea on Mathura temple-mosque dispute

HC rejects Muslim side's plea on Mathura temple-mosque dispute

Rediff.com2 Aug 2024

The Hindu litigants claim the mosque holds signs suggesting that it was a temple once.

'Unfortunate' to refer to Gyanvapi as mosque: UP CM

'Unfortunate' to refer to Gyanvapi as mosque: UP CM

Rediff.com14 Sep 2024

The Gyanvapi issue has been at the centre of a long-drawn legal battle with the Hindu side arguing that the Gyanvapi mosque was allegedly built on the remains of a pre-existing temple, while the Muslim side has contested the claim.

Shimla mosque: Muslim body ready to raze illegal part; 50 booked for protest

Shimla mosque: Muslim body ready to raze illegal part; 50 booked for protest

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

Amid escalating tensions over the Sinjauli mosque in Shimla, a Muslim welfare committee on Thursday urged the municipal commissioner to seal the unauthorised portion and also offered to demolish it in accordance with a court order.

7 acquitted in Malegaon blasts case get HC notice

7 acquitted in Malegaon blasts case get HC notice

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

The Bombay High Court has issued notices to those acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, following an appeal by victims' families, raising questions about the investigation and seeking convictions.