Balrampur house of Chhangur Baba’s nephew demolished for encroachment

Lucknow: District authorities in Balrampur on Saturday demolished the house of Chhangur Baba's nephew, Sabroz, in Utraula after it was found to be built on govt land. The action was initiated in the presence of district magistrate (DM) Pawan Agarwal and superintendent of police (SP) Vikas Kumar after Sabroz's family failed to respond to three show-cause notices served on them dated May 15, June 29, and July 18. While Sabroz was arrested by ATS on July 19 for allegedly aiding Chhangur Baba in his illegal religious conversion racket, his wife and children vacated the premises weeks ago.The 300 square foot house, located in Rehra Mafi village of Gaidas Buzurg area in Utraula tehsil, stood barely a kilometre from the bungalow of Chhangur Baba and his associate Nasreen. Forces from four local police stations and PAC were deployed to maintain order. According to Utraula SDM Satyapal Prajapati, three prior notices had been served to Sabroz on May 15, June 29, and a final warning on July 18, with a July 23 deadline. As no action was taken, demolition was executed on July 26.The house consisted of one room, a kitchen, and a veranda. Sabroz's wife and two young sons vacated the house days prior and reportedly moved to her maternal home. Balrampur DM Pavan Agarwal said the land in question falls under the category of ‘Naveen Parti' (new fallow land), designated as govt property. "A probe revealed that the structure was erected without permission by individuals who unlawfully occupied the land. Following due legal process, the tehsildar court issued a demolition order, which was duly executed," he said.The Dm added that the action was part of an ongoing crackdown against illegal encroachments by members of the Chhangur syndicate. When asked by journalists whether more individuals connected to the gang were identified for similar land grabs, the DM confirmed that further investigation is underway and appropriate action will be taken based on evidence.Sabroz, son of Chhangur's brother Ishhaq, was arrested by the ATS on July 19. Interrogations revealed that he was an active associate in Chhangur's religious conversion operations, handling local activities in Balrampur. Once a wedding band performer and qawwali singer, Sabroz allegedly joined the syndicate under his uncle's influence. ATS officials claim he encroached on public land during his aunt Qutubunnisa's tenure as village pradhan and built the now-demolished house.