In a major operation in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, officials dismantled a section of the 26-year-old Madani Mosque, citing unauthorised construction on government-owned land. The demolition commenced at 10 AM on February 9, following the expiration of a court-issued stay order a day earlier.

The mosque, built in 1999 within the Hata Municipality area, was originally sanctioned as a two-story structure. However, additional floors and a basement were later constructed without approval. That same year, Hindu leader Ram Bachan Singh raised objections over the unauthorized expansion, but no immediate action was taken. The matter resurfaced on December 18, 2023, prompting authorities to launch an inquiry into the structure's legality.

Following the investigation, municipal officials issued three notices to the mosque's management on December 23, 2023, seeking relevant documentation. The management failed to provide the necessary paperwork, leading authorities to declare the building unauthorised and order its demolition. The mosque's representatives challenged the decision in the High Court, obtaining a stay order that remained in effect until February 8, 2025. With the legal protection no longer in place, the administration proceeded with the demolition.

To maintain security during the operation, six bulldozers were deployed, and extensive law enforcement measures were put in place. Personnel from ten police stations, along with a battalion of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), were stationed at the site. Authorities also set up barricades and sealed off a 500-meter radius around the mosque to prevent disturbances.

Reactions to the demolition have been mixed. Some locals support the move, arguing that it upholds zoning regulations and property laws. Others, however, have expressed concerns over how the situation was handled, emphasising the importance of dialogue and legal procedures in such matters.