Masjid-E-Gausiya, originally a prayer hall in a chawl (1985), later became a mosque. | Image used for representation purpose only (Pexels)
After the Gausiya Masjid on Maulana Azad Road (Duncan Road) in central Mumbai was demolished to make way for a redevelopment project, residents from the area have raised questions about the delay in the reconstruction of the shrine.
The issue has become a matter of concern in the locality and residents have raised alarms about ‘Masjid Shahid’, a term used when a mosque is destroyed.
According to residents of the area, the Masjid-E-Gausiya was established as a prayer hall inside a chawl complex in 1985. The prayer hall was later converted into a mosque.
The chawl was demolished more than a decade ago to make way for a high-rise tower. According to residents, the project has been delayed after a new builder took over. The project site is now marked with boards that announce the contractors as Nexsa Realtors. This newspaper contacted the company for its version of the story. The company said they will respond to the queries. However, we received no response from the company
The builders have created a temporary structure for prayers at the site of the demolished mosque. For the juma namaz (Friday afternoon prayers), when there is a larger congregation, space has been given at Kandori Chawl compound.
However, local residents have asked whether it was right to demolish a mosque which is considered a living entity. Sayeed Khan, a Nagpada resident said, “The builders for the redevelopment project have changed and the construction is delayed for nearly 15 years. The builder has provided a temporary structure at the spot where the mosque was. However, there is no clarity on when the mosque will be rebuilt,” said Khan.
Dr Haroon Azizi, who used to offer prayers at the demolished mosque, said, “People are angry that the reconstruction of the mosque had been delayed. There is a shed for namaz,” said Azizi.
