Prayers allowed at Race Course Masjid amid police watch, access curbs

Prayers continued at the Race Course Masjid on Friday, despite police officers standing guard at the entrance controlling the flow of people entering and exiting. While numerous worshippers were granted entry for Jummah prayers during the day, access was limited later, with only a few individuals denied entry by sunset. This restriction stemmed from concerns surrounding the future of the historical Waqf-notified Grade II heritage site.

On October 7, its water and electricity connections were disconnected due to the demolition of three nearby slum clusters. Situated within the Race Course Club, a 53-acre property near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, the mosque's situation remains uncertain amid plans for its eviction. However, officials clarified on Thursday that no eviction notice had been issued to the mosque.

A 35-year-old mosque-goer, who has been attending prayers there since childhood, expressed his frustration about the restrictions. He was among the residents from the demolished slums who were relocated to Savda Ghevra, approximately 50 km away. "I was born here and have always worshipped at this mosque. I work at the Ashoka Hotel in Chanakyapuri, so it is convenient for me to come and offer prayers daily," he said.

The security measures intensified as the day progressed. By 4 pm, fewer than 10 people were allowed inside for the Asr (afternoon) prayers, and media personnel were asked to remain outside the gate. Hamid, a 20-year-old petrol pump worker, noted, "There were fewer than 10 people for the prayers."

By sunset, media personnel departed, and police presence diminished. A handful of worshippers attempted to perform Maghrib (evening) prayers near the gate but were denied entry. Among them was Altaf Khan, a hotel worker, who protested the limited access, stating, "The police said we were only allowed inside for 15 minutes to perform namaz. Now they are requesting permission from higher officials. How is that fair to us?"

Resident mosque-goers reported a significant decline in attendance, with only four or five worshippers present for prayers two or three times daily. Since the utilities were disconnected, they had relied on a generator for ablutions and drew groundwater for religious practices. However, prayers were now conducted in darkness.

On October 8, the Delhi Waqf Board requested the National Development Council (NDMC) executive engineer to restore the utilities. NDMC declined the request on October 15, citing ongoing demolition work in the area and the potential public harm involved. The mosque's imam had also sought restoration of the utilities from the Delhi High Court, but the court dismissed the plea on the same day.