Acting on a court order, the district administration in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, demolished an alleged illegal mosque and Eidgah built on government land. The 25-foot minaret of the Eidgah was the first to be brought down, followed by the rest of the structure. Heavy security was deployed in the Asmoli police station area during the demolition.
More than 100 personnel from Uttar Pradesh Police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and Rapid Action Force (RAF) were present to ensure law and order and prevent any gathering at the site. The district administration stated that a complaint was filed regarding the construction on government cemetery land, which was later found to be illegal after a land measurement exercise. The Tehsildar’s Court then ordered the demolition under the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code.
Sambhal District Magistrate Ankit Khandelwal clarified that the demolition was carried out to prevent illegal encroachment on government land reserved as a graveyard. The recovered land, estimated to be worth Rs 5 crore, will now be utilized for government and public welfare purposes. The All India Shia Personal Law Board criticized the demolition, stating that the Eidgah was built on Gram Sabha land and should have been decided by the court.
The administration defended its actions, emphasizing that the demolition was in accordance with the court’s order after due legal process. It reiterated that the land would be repurposed for the benefit of the government and the public.
