Fact Check: Illegal mosque in Hyderabad demolished? Find the truth here
A video has been circulating on social media with the claim that an ‘illegal’ mosque was demolished.
By Md Mahfooz Alam Published on 28 Feb 2025 5:22 PM IST
Claim: The video shows the demolition of an illegal mosque.
Fact: The claim is misleading. The viral video shows the removal of Wuzu Khana (an ablution area) constructed outside the mosque in the Chandrayangutta area, Hyderabad.
Hyderabad: A video of a JCB tearing down a wall in front of a mosque has been circulating on social media, claiming that the mosque was also demolished.
An X handle, Kreately, known for frequently spreading misinformation, shared the video with the caption, “Another structure levelled.”
Another X user, Sunanda Roy, known for spreading misinformation, shared the video with the caption, “One more illegal mosque demolished.”
Fact Check
NewsMeter found that the claim is misleading. The mosque’s caretaker confirmed to NewsMeter that only the Wuzu Khana (ablution area) was demolished.
While examining the video, we noticed the mosque’s name, Masjid-e-Saleh Qasim. Taking this lead, we conducted a keyword search and came across a January 25 report of The Siasat Daily, titled ‘Video: Masjid-e-Saleha Wuzu Khana demolished in Hyderabad.’ The report featured the entrance image of the mosque as seen in the viral video.
According to the report, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), on January 25, 2025, carried out demolition drives against road encroachments in Chandrayangutta localities of Hyderabad, including Hashamabad and Bandlaguda. The report mentioned encroachments made by roadside shops and restaurants that were razed down under the supervision of police.
It also mentioned that as a part of the demolition drive, Wuzu Khana, which was constructed outside the Masjid-e-Saleha, was removed using a bulldozer. However, the report did not mention the demolition of the mosque.
Siasat also published a video report on the same day showing the demolition drive, titled ‘Demolition drive in Chandryangutta, Masjid-e-Saleha Wuzu Khana demolished by GHMC.’
The report showed shades, platforms and the ablution area outside the mosque being razed off. However, we did not find any visual of the mosque being levelled.
Abdul Shukoor, the caretaker of Masjid-e-Saleha Qasim, dismissed the claim of the mosque being demolished as a rumour while speaking to NewsMeter. He stated, “The ablution area was constructed on the road, and we did not oppose its removal during the GHMC demolition drive.”
Therefore, we conclude that the video does not show the demolition of the mosque. The claim is misleading.
