Former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson, YouTuber and social activist Huda Zariwala was arrested by police in Saharanpur over remarks she allegedly made about the demolition of a mosque on the collectorate premises. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Zariwala had reached the Circuit House in Saharanpur on Monday evening to protest against the demolition. After police were informed about her arrival, officers reached the spot and stopped her from entering the Circuit House. She was subsequently taken into custody and arrested.
The action followed the circulation of a video in which Zariwala commented on the administration’s decision to demolish the mosque and also made remarks about Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
In the video, Zariwala described the mosque as having been “martyred” and called the demolition a “criminal activity”. She questioned who had authorised the action and said the Muslim community would oppose those responsible.
She also allegedly made objectionable remarks about Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Following the circulation of the video, advocate Dushyant Singh filed a complaint against Zariwala at Sadar Bazar police station in Saharanpur on Monday morning.
According to the complaint, Zariwala made objectionable comments about the administrative action to remove the mosque and also made remarks against the Chief Minister. Singh alleged that the video had angered people and sought strict action against her.
Acting on the complaint, police arrested Zariwala.
Who Is Huda Zariwala?
Huda Zariwala previously served as a spokesperson for the Aam Aadmi Party and worked as an anchor with a media organisation in London. She currently identifies herself as a social activist and YouTuber.
Her arrest has come amid a wider controversy over the demolition of a mosque located on the Saharanpur collectorate premises.
What Happened to the Saharanpur Mosque?
The mosque, reportedly around 70 years old, stood on the collectorate premises and covered approximately 3,300 square feet, according to the administration.
The two-storey structure reportedly had five rooms, including two large halls. The ground floor had a large hall and two rooms, while the first floor consisted of another hall and a large room. One of the rooms was reportedly being used as a post office.
The administration declared the structure unauthorised following a complaint filed by former Bajrang Dal provincial convenor Vikas Tyagi before the district magistrate on February 10, 2025.
Tyagi alleged that the mosque was unauthorised and claimed that rent was being collected from rooms on the premises, including the room being used as a post office.
The district magistrate subsequently ordered a magistrate-level inquiry. The administrative inquiry later concluded that the mosque was unauthorised.
The administration then filed a petition before the city magistrate’s court on March 24, 2025.
On July 16, 2026, the court declared the mosque unauthorised and ordered its removal. It also directed recovery of Rs 6.41 crore as compensation and gave occupants 30 days to vacate the premises.
The mosque side challenged the order before the district court on July 20.
On July 24, the district court stayed the magistrate’s order while the matter was being heard.
However, on September 2, District Judge Satendra Kumar upheld the City Magistrate’s demolition order and dismissed the petition filed by the mosque side.
Following the court’s decision, the administration demolished the mosque on the collectorate premises.
The demolition has since led to political and social reactions in Saharanpur, with the legal and administrative proceedings surrounding the structure coming under renewed public attention.
Zariwala’s arrest came against this backdrop after she arrived at the Circuit House to protest the demolition. Police action against her followed the complaint over her video remarks.
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