Shrine constructed on govt land razed in UP's Sambhal; agricultural encroachments cleared

Authorities in Sambhal town demolished an 'illegal' shrine constructed on government land, citing encroachment by local farmers and a lack of objection after the shrine's custodian passed away.

An 'illegal' shrine constructed by occupying government land here was demolished by the authorities on Saturday, officials said.

The shrine of Sher Ali Baba Peer located in Sirsi area of Sambhal town was razed with a bulldozer, in presence of administrative officials, they said.

Speaking to reporters, Sambhal Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh said the site comprises 200 bighas of lake land.

He said local farmers had encroached upon this land for cultivation, and an attempt was made to establish a permanent claim over the area by constructing a small shrine.

He said the agricultural encroachments have been cleared, a process that met with no resistance or objection.

Regarding the shrine, a case was filed in the tehsildar's court. At the time, the case was registered against the person serving as the shrine's 'Mutawalli' (custodian). However, following his death, no one came forward to file an objection regarding the shrine.

The tehsildar said an eviction order was issued on Saturday.

He said around 70 to 80 bighas of land, which had been under agricultural encroachment, have been reclaimed, and the land occupied by the shrine has also been cleared of encroachment.