Controversial Demolition in Bichhauli: Land Reclamation or Religious Dispute?

In Bichhauli, the district administration demolished an 'Imambara' and 'Eidgah' built on public land. The Revenue Department, with police support, removed these structures terming them encroachments. This action continued a series of land-use crackdowns amid recent tensions in the region over religious site disputes.

The district administration conducted a demolition drive in Bichhauli to remove religious structures – an 'Imambara' and an 'Eidgah' – allegedly built on public land. Officials described them as encroachments, citing land classified as public utility, with police deployed to uphold order.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nidhi Patel reported the plots involved were intended for communal purposes like manure pits and grazing grounds, deeming any construction illegal. Following proceedings in the tehsildar's court, eviction orders were issued and subsequently executed by the revenue and police teams.

This action is part of intensified enforcement by authorities in Sambhal, which has seen increased tensions following administrative crackdowns on alleged encroachments and ongoing land-use disputes focusing on religious structures.

(With inputs from agencies.)