Bareilly: Following a court order, a joint team of the Moradabad Development Authority (MDA) and the district administration carried out the demolition of portions of Jamia Arabia Hayatul Uloom madrassa on Saturday. The madrassa was built on approximately three acres of land along a highway in Moradabad's Mangupura area. At least six payloaders along with heavy earthmoving equipment were deployed under tight security during the operation.
MDA's Stance on the Demolition
MDA Vice Chairman Anubhav Singh stated, "We had land ownership, and the court never disputed it. However, due to a pending stay order on the land, the MDA was unable to execute any action or development work. Now that the stay has been disposed of, we proceeded with our action." MDA Secretary Pankaj Verma added, "The drive was conducted strictly in compliance with the high court directions. Only the portion of the madrassa compound falling within the acquired land was demolished. The entire action was based on official government records and judicial orders. The proceedings were carried out peacefully."
Background of the Land Dispute
Officials explained that the land belonged to the MDA and had been at the center of a legal dispute since 1982. Although the authority won the case in the Supreme Court 15 years ago, possession could not be taken due to repeated legal and technical hurdles raised by the madrassa committee. Senior district officials, along with revenue and administrative teams, were present to oversee land measurement and demarcation work at Pakbara, Mangupura.
Notably, the MDA originally acquired a 10-hectare plot under the Neha Moradabad Housing Scheme in 2004, with the special land acquisition officer taking formal possession at the time. However, the land's ownership remained sub judice since 1982. Before Saturday's action, the MDA erected boundary walls on the disputed plot as a step toward reclaiming control.
Impact on Students and Local Community
A local resident, requesting anonymity, expressed concern: "Hundreds of enrolled students were receiving religious education at the madrassa. Parents are uncertain about their children's future. There is no immediate clarity on alternative arrangements for the students." The demolition has left the community worried about the educational continuity of the affected children.
About the Author: Krishna Chaudhary, a mass communication graduate, is a Senior Correspondent covering the sugar belt of Western Uttar Pradesh. He specializes in reporting on crime, politics, and impactful human-interest stories.
