Authorities began demolishing a 130-square-metre mosque allegedly built illegally on public land in Qutubpur Satta village, Sambhal district.
The Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate ordered the demolition after a joint police and revenue inquiry confirmed the construction lacked required approvals.
Personnel from 10 police stations, a PAC platoon, rooftop guards, and drones have been deployed to maintain law and order during the operation.