Sambhal Administration Demolishes Illegal Eidgah And Mosque Built On Government Land

Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh)  : In a massive anti-encroachment drive, the Sambhal district administration deployed bulldozers to demolish an illegal Eidgah, a mosque, and two houses built on government land.

The overnight eviction operation freed approximately 10.5 bighas of prime land valued at roughly ₹5 crore along the highway.

According to District Magistrate Ankit Khandelwal, the action followed a formal complaint asserting that land reserved for a government public cemetery was being systematically encroached upon. Revenue officials conducted a precise land measurement survey, which confirmed that the concrete structures were built completely without authorization. Additionally, evidence surfaced indicating that land mafias were allegedly attempting to plot out and commercially sell parts of the state property under the cover of a religious site.

The case was heard under Section 67 of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code in the Tehsildar Court, which formally ruled the occupation illegal and ordered its removal. Following the judicial directive, administrative and police teams moved in with four heavy earthmovers on Tuesday afternoon. The operation saw the dismantling of a 25-foot-tall minaret and the clearance of the illegal structures.

 To prevent communal tension or public protests, the administration enforced heavy security protocols. Over 100 personnel, including the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and the Rapid Action Force (RAF), cordoned off the site in the Asmoli police station area.  While organizations like the Shia Waqf Board expressed strong displeasure over the swift demolition, the local administration reiterated that the land has now been fully reclaimed for public use. Officials confirmed that strict tracking of state property will continue to prevent future unauthorized occupations.