Madrassa demolished in UP after 44-yr land dispute

Bareilly: Following a court order, a joint team of Moradabad Development Authority (MDA) and district administration on Saturday demolished portions of Jamia Arabia Hayatul Uloom madrassa built on about three acres of land along a highway in Moradabad’s Mangupura area. At least six payloaders along with heavy earthmoving equipment were used in presence of tight security.

MDA VC Anubhav Singh told TOI: “We had land ownership and the court never disputed it. But since there was a pending stay order on the land, we (MDA) were unable to execute any action or development work. Now, since the stay has been disposed of, we went ahead with our action.”

MDA secretary, Pankaj Verma, added, “The drive was conducted strictly in compliance with the high court directions. Only the portion of the madrassa compound falling within acquired land was demolished. Entire action was based on official govt records and judicial order. The proceedings were carried out peacefully.”

Officials further said the land belonged to MDA and had been at the centre of a legal dispute since 1982. Although the authority won the case in the Supreme Court 15 years ago, possession could not be taken due to repeated legal and technical hurdles raised by the madrassa committee.

Senior district officials along with revenue and administrative teams were present to oversee land measurement and demarcation work at Pakbara, Mangupura.

Notably, the MDA originally acquired a 10-hectare plot under the Neha Moradabad Housing Scheme in 2004, with the special land acquisition officer taking formal possession at the time. However, the land’s ownership remained sub judice since 1982. Before Saturday’s action, the MDA erected boundary walls on the disputed plot as a step toward reclaiming control.

A local resident, requesting anonymity, said, “Hundreds of enrolled students were receiving religious education at the madrassa. Parents are uncertain about their kids’ future. There is no immediate clarity on alternative arrangements for the children.”