In a decisive crackdown on illegal constructions, authorities in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district demolished a marriage hall and a madrassa built unlawfully on pond land in Raa Ya village, under Asmoli police station limits. The district administration also issued a four-day ultimatum to a mosque committee to dismantle an illegally constructed mosque on reserved land, with the committee reportedly initiating voluntary demolition to comply.

Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh confirmed that his court ordered the demolition of the marriage hall, spanning approximately 2,300 square meters, and the mosque, occupying about 550 square meters. “The marriage hall has been razed. The mosque committee requested four days to remove the encroachment, which was granted by the district magistrate, and they’ve begun dismantling it themselves,” Singh stated. He noted that two prior notices were issued to the occupants, who failed to produce ownership documents during hearings. A demolition order was issued on September 2, followed by a 30-day grace period that went unheeded.

Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi emphasized that the land, classified as a pond area, was illegally encroached upon. “Despite a 30-day notice to vacate voluntarily, no action was taken. We proceeded with the demolition, using drone surveillance and public announcements in nearby villages to ensure compliance,” Vishnoi said. The anti-encroachment team successfully removed both the marriage hall and the madrassa, restoring the land to its designated status.

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District Magistrate Rajendra Peasiya underscored the broader context of the operation, noting that anti-encroachment drives are ongoing across Sambhal district. “Under Section 67, notices were issued for plot number 691, registered as pond land covering 2,310 square meters. The case was under review for three to four months, with a 30-day compliance period granted,” Peasiya explained. He added that the revenue team oversaw Thursday’s demolition, ensuring adherence to legal protocols.

Yaseen, a mosque committee member from Raa Ya Buzurg village, confirmed an agreement with the administration to clear the mosque within the stipulated four days. “We have started dismantling the structure ourselves to comply,” he said, signaling cooperation to avoid further escalation.

The operation reflects Uttar Pradesh’s aggressive push to reclaim public land from illegal encroachments, particularly in communally sensitive areas like Sambhal, where similar drives have sparked tensions in the past. The use of drones and heavy police presence underscores the administration’s determination to maintain order while enforcing land regulations. As the mosque demolition progresses, locals are watching closely, with authorities urging calm to prevent any unrest during the ongoing anti-encroachment campaign.

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