Security Increased In Varanasi As Mosque Demolitions Continue

07 Jul 2026 CW Team

Security has been increased in the Dalmandi market area of Varanasi as demolition of five mosques continues into a second day under a road-widening project. Authorities have prohibited public movement in the affected lane and established multiple barricades at key intersections leading to the demolition site to maintain law and order. Access for media personnel has been restricted within Dalmandi to control movement and prevent disturbances.

The Mirza Karimullah Beg Masjid next to the Chowk police station and four other mosques — Nesaran ki Masjid, Rangile Shah Masjid, Ali Raza Masjid and Sangmarmar Masjid — are being dismantled as part of the infrastructure plan. The local administration has deployed a large security presence comprising personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF), paramilitary forces, the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and the state police. The structures undergoing demolition were covered with large sheets to conduct operations discreetly and to discourage local unrest.

Officials have warned of potential protests and are using drone cameras to monitor the area continuously to prevent any untoward incidents. The demolition forms part of the Dalmandi road-widening project whose foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on two August 2025. The project, estimated at Rs 2.15 billion (Rs 2.15 bn), seeks to widen a 650-metre stretch from Chowk to Nai Sadak to 17.4 metres to modernise the route and ease traffic congestion.

The plan involves acquisition and modification of 181 buildings and six religious structures, including mosques, and officials say more than 75 per cent of the work has been completed. More than Rs 600 million (Rs 600 mn) in compensation has been distributed to affected parties to date. Authorities say the upgrades are intended to facilitate smoother access for tourists and devotees visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

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