A structure described by officials as an “illegal shrine” was demolished in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district on Saturday during a large-scale “anti-encroachment drive” on government land.
The shrine, identified as Sher Ali Baba Peer, located in the Sirsi area, was removed using bulldozers in the presence of administrative and police officials.
200 Bigha Lake Land Under Government Ownership
According to Sambhal Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh, the land involved belongs to a 200-bigha lake area recorded in government revenue documents.
Officials said portions of this land had been illegally cultivated by nearby farmers over several years, while a small religious structure was also constructed on a portion of the encroached area.
“The site comprises 200 bighas of lake land,” the tehsildar said, adding that attempts were made to establish permanent claims over government land through such constructions.
Agricultural Encroachments Also Removed
Authorities said that along with the demolition of the shrine, large portions of agricultural encroachment were also cleared.
Around 70 to 80 bighas of land were reportedly freed during the operation, with officials stating that most farmers vacated the land without resistance.
The administration said that the lake land had been under continuous encroachment for cultivation, despite being recorded as government property.
Legal Process and Court Case
Officials said a case related to the shrine was earlier filed in the tehsildar’s court against its custodian, known locally as a mutawalli.
However, after the custodian’s death, no one came forward to challenge the case or claim ownership.
“An eviction order was issued on Saturday,” the tehsildar said, adding that legal procedures were followed before demolition.
Bulldozer Action Carried Out Amid Heavy Security
The demolition drive was carried out with heavy police deployment and administrative supervision. Officials confirmed that videography of the entire operation was conducted.
The action began in the afternoon and continued till evening in Sirsi Nagar Panchayat area under Sambhal tehsil.
Authorities also confirmed that another small structure, described as a 22-square-metre tomb-like construction, was demolished during the same drive.
Government Says Anti-Encroachment Drive Will Continue
Officials said the campaign against illegal occupation of government land will continue in the district as part of a broader effort to reclaim public land and restore ecological balance.
They added that the lake area holds environmental importance and could be developed as a natural resource if properly restored.
