Madrassa on ‘encroached’ land demolished in Sambhal

Bareilly: A madrassa allegedly built on encroached gram samaj land was demolished amid heavy security in Naroli village under Baniyather police station of Sambhal on Thursday, officials said.Administration officials said the madrassa—operating under the name Madrasa Banjari Kuan—had been running for nearly six years on gram samaj land. Officials said the structure stood on gata numbers 1635 and 1636, covering around 225 square metres.The action followed a complaint that led to a revenue inspection on Sept 8, 2023. A lekhpal conducted land measurements and submitted a report confirming illegal occupation. Based on the findings, demolition orders were issued in June 2024.Members of the madrassa committee subsequently filed an appeal before the ADM court, which was later rejected, clearing the way for enforcement. The demolition was carried out under Section 67 of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code.The drive was supervised by SDM Ashutosh Tiwari, along with two Naib Tehsildars and revenue officials. Police personnel from multiple stations, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and fire services were deployed to maintain law and order.SDM Tiwari said the madrassa had been constructed on land recorded as a manure pit and a public pathway. He said several houses allegedly built illegally on the same gata numbers had been identified and would face action after due legal process.Before the demolition, residents vacated the premises and removed their belongings. Officials said children studying at the madrassa were shifted to another madrassa operating on private land within the village.