Darul Uloom Madrasa and Nearby Houses Demolished in Sambhal, Tensions Rise Among Residents

In Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh, the Darul Uloom Madrasa in Naroli town was demolished on Thursday along with several nearby houses, creating tension in the local community. The administration said the action was part of a drive against illegal encroachments, citing revenue records showing the land, plots 1635 and 1636, was reserved for compost pits and a public road. The madrasa occupied 285 square metres, and eight to ten houses built alongside it were also declared illegal.

Sub-District Magistrate Ashutosh Tiwari said two notices had been issued to the encroachers, allowing time for voluntary removal. “As the notices were not complied with, action was taken against the illegal structures, including the madrasa,” he told reporters. The demolition was carried out under the supervision of Tiwari, Deputy Tehsildar Satyendra Chahar, and Circle Officer Manoj Kumar Singh, with personnel from five police stations and a unit of the Provincial Armed Constabulary deployed to maintain law and order. Residents described the area as being turned into a police cantonment from early morning, with heavy security presence creating a tense atmosphere.

Local community members expressed anger and distress over the demolition, saying the madrasa had been an important centre of education for poor children. Abdul Hameed, whose nephew studied there, said, “This madrasa was teaching our children. We are poor people and cannot afford expensive schools. Now, where will our children go?” Shabana Begum, whose house was also declared illegal, said, “We have been living here for years. Suddenly, we are told our house is illegal. Where should we go?”

Naroli Panchayat Chairman Bittan Malik questioned the administration’s approach. “I received no information or notice about this action. The madrasa is a religious site and has been a centre of Islamic learning. The local body should have been consulted,” he said.

Residents said the demolition disrupted not just education but also their sense of security, with many fearing that similar actions could affect more homes. Women in the area watched from a distance, some in tears, saying, “This is our place of prayer and learning. It hurts to see it destroyed.”

The demolition is part of a broader trend in Sambhal and across Uttar Pradesh, where bulldozer drives have been increasingly used to remove alleged illegal structures, including mosques, madrasas, and houses on government land. In some cases, residents have preemptively dismantled structures themselves to avoid losses during official action.

Legal experts noted that while authorities have the right to remove illegal encroachments, due process must be strictly followed. Advocate Sameer Khan said, “If notices were issued, they must clearly state the grounds and provide a reasonable time to respond. Demolition of a religious structure is sensitive, and authorities must ensure fairness and avoid any perception of discrimination.”

The demolition has left the community anxious and uncertain. Maulana Farooq Ahmad, a local cleric, said, “A madrasa is not just a building. It is a centre of education and faith. If there was an issue with the land, it could have been resolved through dialogue. The community wants justice, fairness, and peace.”