An illegal mosque and thirty three houses constructed illegally could be demolished in accordance with legal procedure, says Sambhal DM Rajender Pensia
Authorities in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district have announced that as many as 33 houses, along with an illegally constructed mosque on municipal land in Chandausi town, are likely to be demolished following proper legal procedures. This statement was made by a senior district official on Monday, highlighting concerns regarding unauthorized encroachments on government land.
The district of Sambhal has been experiencing heightened tensions since November of the previous year when violent clashes erupted in response to a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid. The mosque has been at the center of a growing dispute, with a legal petition asserting that an ancient Hindu temple once stood at the location before the mosque was built. According to a report by news agency PTI, the unrest led to the tragic loss of at least four lives and left several others injured during the violent confrontations.
In a move to address land encroachment issues, Sambhal District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya cinspectedTehsil Diwas and visited a municipal land located in Waris Nagar, an area under the jurisdiction of the Chandausi Municipal Corporation. During this inspection, he identified unauthorized constructions on the property, raising serious concerns about illegal land acquisitions.
Speaking on the matter, District Magistrate Pensiya stated, “The land in question is legally owned by the municipal council. However, unauthorized registries were executed without proper ownership rights. A total of 34 structures, including 33 residential houses and a mosque, have been constructed illegally on this land.”
He further clarified that this issue had been under scrutiny for some time, with the tehsildar responsible for its verification. Prior reports regarding the encroachments had already been submitted to the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) for further action. “During Tehsil Diwas, we received complaints about multiple sites suspected of illegal construction. Today, we have inspected this location, and we will soon conduct a similar inspection at another identified site. Any encroachment found will be demolished by legal provisions,” Pensiya added.
The disputed land spans an area of approximately 6.5 bighas, which translates to around 4.02 acres within Uttar Pradesh. Officials have emphasized that due legal process will be followed before taking any action against the unauthorized structures.
Meanwhile, in a related development, authorities have begun the process of whitewashing the Shahi Jama Masjid after receiving clearance from the Allahabad High Court. The whitewashing work commenced on Sunday, marking a significant step in maintaining the heritage structure while ensuring compliance with legal directives.
A contractor engaged by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been assigned the task of whitewashing the mosque. According to officials, a team of eight skilled workers has been deployed to carry out the work, which is expected to be completed within a week. The ASI has ensured that the restoration efforts, including decorative lighting, adhere to the guidelines set by the high court, with strict instructions to prevent any structural modifications or alterations to the mosque during the process.
To maintain security and prevent any further escalation of tensions, a three-member committee has been formed to oversee the painting and restoration work. Additionally, security measures around the mosque have been significantly tightened, especially in light of the upcoming holy month of Ramzan.
Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation in Sambhal, as tensions remain high over the dispute surrounding the historical mosque. Officials have urged residents to remain peaceful and cooperative as they work towards resolving these complex legal and historical issues through appropriate channels.
