Bahraich Administration Demolishes 10 Illegal Mazars at Medical College Campus
On Monday, the district administration in Bahraich took decisive action. They demolished ten illegal mazars located within the campus of Maharaja Suheldev Medical College. This move brought closure to a long-pending case that had been ongoing since 2002.
Heavy Police Presence During Demolition
The administration carried out the demolition using bulldozers. A heavy police deployment was present at the site to ensure security. Officials stated that this action followed repeated administrative and appellate orders. These orders had declared the structures unauthorised and illegal.
Legal History of the Case
Officials provided details about the legal proceedings. The ten mazars were first declared illegal by the city magistrate in 2002. The managing committee then challenged this order before the district magistrate. However, the appeal was rejected in 2004.
The matter did not end there. It was later taken to the divisional commissioner. After prolonged proceedings, the commissioner upheld the earlier orders in 2019. The commissioner termed the additional constructions illegal and directed their removal.
Background of the Disputed Site
The disputed site is adjacent to the district magistrate's office. Records show that originally only two mazars existed at this location. These two mazars were duly registered with the Waqf Board.
Over time, caretakers allegedly constructed ten additional smaller mazars. These new structures were not recognised under law. After the establishment of the medical college in 2023, these unauthorised constructions fell within its campus.
Complaint from Medical College Principal
The administration reactivated enforcement proceedings following a written complaint. The medical college principal flagged illegal constructions inside the institutional premises. This complaint prompted the authorities to take action.
Notices Issued Before Demolition
City Magistrate Rajesh Prasad explained the process. Notices were issued on January 10. These notices directed the concerned party to voluntarily remove the illegal structures by January 17.
The notice clearly stated the consequences of non-compliance. Failure to remove the structures would result in forcible demolition on January 19. The cost of demolition would be recovered as land revenue.
Official Statement on the Action
Prasad emphasized the legal basis for the demolition. He said, "As per orders passed in 2002, 2004 and finally upheld by the commissioner in 2019, these constructions were illegal. Despite repeated assurances, the structures were not removed voluntarily."
He added, "On the district magistrate's directions and under proper police supervision, the demolition has been carried out."
Original Mazars Spared
Prasad clarified an important point. The two original mazars registered with the Waqf Board were spared during the operation. Only the additional unauthorised constructions erected under their cover were demolished.
Administration's Stance on Due Process
The administration maintained that the action followed due process. They stated it was strictly in accordance with long-standing legal orders. Officials said they made adequate security arrangements to ensure law and order.
The operation concluded peacefully without any major incidents. The district administration emphasized their commitment to enforcing the law while respecting legal procedures.
