The district administration in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has initiated a major drive against alleged encroachments, deciding to issue eviction notices to the occupants of approximately 22 houses and shops. The action targets structures purportedly built illegally on land belonging to a cemetery adjacent to the Jama Masjid.
Survey Confirms Encroachment, Officials Cite Land Records
The move follows a detailed survey conducted by the revenue department on Tuesday, covering an area of about 4,800 square metres. District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya stated that the land records clearly indicate the plot is cemetery property and all constructions upon it are unauthorised. "Notices are being served to the occupants, and appropriate action will be taken as per law. It is not clear when these structures were built," Pensiya said.
He emphasised that the administration's course of action would be strictly dictated by legal provisions. The process involves verifying the claims of the residents against official documentation.
Residents Defy Claims, Cite Century-Old Heritage
The administration's decision has met with fierce opposition from local residents and shopkeepers, who dispute the claim of illegal occupation. One of the occupants, Dr. Firoz Khan, presented a counter-narrative, asserting his family's long-standing connection to the property.
"This house was built by my grandfather around 100 years ago. Several other houses in the locality are of the same age. Declaring them illegal without due consideration is unjust," Dr. Khan argued. He claimed possession of proper documents, including registry papers and a government transfer deed, which the residents intend to submit to the authorities.
Legal Scrutiny and Heavy Security Deployed
In response to the residents' claims, administrative officials clarified that assertions of long-term occupation would be examined solely on the basis of land records and legal documentation. The District Magistrate reiterated, "If the documents fail to establish legal ownership or rights, the encroachments will be removed in accordance with the law."
Anticipating potential unrest, the police made significant security arrangements during the survey. Additional Superintendent of Police Kuldeep Singh detailed the measures, stating that a team of four revenue inspectors and 22 lekhpals, supervised by tehsildars, carried out the inspection.
"To maintain law and order, eight inspectors-in-charge, along with RRF and PAC personnel, were deployed. Continuous monitoring of the area is being carried out," Singh added, highlighting the sensitive nature of the operation.
The situation remains tense as the occupants prepare to present their documents, setting the stage for a legal confrontation over the disputed land in Sambhal.
