Protests Erupt in Shimla Over Illegal Mosque Construction and Trader Attack

Hundreds gathered in Sanjauli, Shimla, to protest unauthorized mosque construction and an attack on a trader in Malyana. Authorities confirmed parts of the structure were illegal, and the matter awaits court proceedings. Tensions rose over increasing migrant presence, calling for police verification and registration.

Hundreds of citizens gathered in the Shimla suburb of Sanjauli on Sunday to protest against the unauthorized construction of a mosque and an attack on a local trader in the Malyana area.

The demonstrators called for the demolition of the controversial structure and demanded legal action against those responsible for the assault on the trader, who was seriously injured. Senior district officials confirmed that the top floor of the mosque was illegally built on Waqf Board land, and the case is set to be heard by the municipal corporation court this Saturday.

Shimla Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi assured the public that the attack on the businessman would be investigated as an attempted murder. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap stated that the building's construction is halted, and a previous illegal toilet was demolished last month. Protesters also demanded police verification and registration of minority migrants, expressing concern over their increasing numbers in Shimla.

(With inputs from agencies.)