Uttar Pradesh News:
On January 4, 2026, a government bulldozer was set to demolish an illegal mosque in Salempur Salar, also known as Hajipur village, in the Sambhal district. Yet, ahead of the administration's scheduled action, the mosque committee members began dismantling the 439 square meters of Medina Mosque themselves after midnight.
Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh, along with a team of 31 revenue officers and a significant police force, were to arrive at 10 am. However, by then, the structure had already been reduced to rubble. This action followed ongoing legal proceedings since 2018 and the confirmation of illegal encroachment on government land.
Taking Matters into Their Own Hands at Midnight
The administration set January 4 as the date to remove the illegal occupation. Fearing the consequences, the mosque committee and local Muslim community members commenced demolition at midnight using hammers. By morning, the mosque was a heap of ruins. The Tehsildar remarked on the positive aspect, stating that if people are voluntarily removing the encroachment, it is favorable.
Charges of Illegal Land Occupation
This case is part of the Achhora Kambeh police area jurisdiction. As detailed by Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh, Mutawalli Haji Shameem was accused of unlawfully occupying 439 square meters of government land to build the mosque. After the report filed on June 14, 2018, long-running court hearings ensued. Upon thorough examination of the evidence, the court declared the land as government property and ordered the removal of the Mutawalli.
Administration Prepared with Force and Bulldozers
The administration was fully prepared to remove the illegal construction. Personnel from multiple police stations, PAC, and RRF companies, along with a team of Lekhpals and legal officers, were deployed at the site. Three bulldozers were on standby. According to the Tehsildar, the stringent administrative measures led to the encroachers losing their nerve, dismantling the structure before the bulldozers could arrive.
