Lucknow, 07 Sept (HS): On

September 7, 2026, Uttar Pradesh police detained state Congress President Ajay

Rai in Lucknow while attempting to lead a fact-finding trip to Saharanpur

following the demolition of a local mosque.

Rai was intercepted and arrested by law authorities in Lucknow, stopping him

from proceeding to Saharanpur. He claims that the district court permitted 21

days, and that this term has been honored. The court had ordered that they be

given time to petition the higher court. However, without consulting the HC,

the administration dismantled it overnight. This demonstrates the extent of the

rush and raises concerns about the reasons behind it. We are undoubtedly

prepared to battle and will fight. We are absolutely going there. We are

dedicated to this.

He said, The government is behaving coercively; they are detaining us

for standing up to injustice and oppression. We will surely resist this

dictatorship. We will depose this administration for attacking Muslims today,

and Congress members will refuse to tolerate any additional crimes against

Muslims.

On September 5, 2026, a structure inside the collectorate premises that was

estimated to be 100 years old was demolished. Legal Action: The construction

was demolished in accordance with a local court ruling after officials

determined that it was an illegal intrusion. Shortly before the proceedings,

the district court dismissed an appeal filed by the mosque administration

committee.

Ajay Rai's response: Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai condemned the

destruction and accused the state administration of inciting communal conflict.

He announced preparations to visit the spot and examine the situation.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi