Major Action Against Illegal Occupations in Sambhal District
Significant Action Against Illegal Structures
On Sunday, authorities in the Asmoli area of Sambhal district took decisive action against illegal encroachments. A large police contingent, accompanied by three bulldozers, demolished a madrasa and a mosque that had been constructed on government land. In a separate incident, villagers preemptively destroyed an illegal mosque using hammers before the administration arrived.
Mosque Demolished Before Bulldozers Arrived
A particularly surprising case emerged from Hajipur village, where an illegal mosque had been erected on 1,339 square meters (approximately one and a half bighas) of government land. When Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh and his team arrived, they found only rubble where the mosque once stood. Fearing repercussions, locals had spent the night demolishing the mosque themselves with hammers and chisels.
Response from the Administration
The Tehsildar expressed satisfaction that the community took the initiative to remove the illegal structure. After three hours of effort, the administration cleared all the debris from the site.
Demolition of Madrasa and Another Mosque
In Hajipur village, about 500 meters from the mosque, a madrasa built on 1,500 square meters of land was also demolished with the help of three bulldozers. District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia noted that the madrasa had been illegally occupied, with shops established on the premises and rent being collected.
Action in Raya Bujurg
An illegal mosque located 11 kilometers from Hajipur in Raya Bujurg was also demolished using two bulldozers. This mosque was constructed on government land, and the action followed the rejection of an appeal by the High Court.
No Relief from High Court, Heavy Fines Imposed
According to District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia, demolition orders had been issued against these properties by the Tehsildar's court long ago. The mosque and madrasa committees had approached the High Court, but their appeals were dismissed.
Imposition of Fines
A total fine of 5.8 million rupees has been levied against illegal encroachments, with the mosque's mutawalli facing a penalty of 878,000 rupees alone.
Land Allotments Made After Demolition
Immediately following the demolition, the administration took a significant step by distributing land allotments to 20 selected beneficiaries on the cleared land. For security reasons, the entire area was monitored by drones, and a substantial police presence was maintained.