Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh), April 16 (NationPress) In a significant move against unlawful encroachments, the district authorities in Sambhal executed the demolition of an Eidgah and Imambara that had been illegally erected on approximately seven bighas of government property in Bicholi village. This operation was carried out using four bulldozers, protected by a substantial police presence, officials reported.

The district administration stated that law enforcement from five police stations, along with a Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) unit, was deployed to maintain order during the demolition process.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Nidhi Patel oversaw the operation directly.

District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya informed IANS that all actions taken followed the necessary legal protocols.

"A case was initiated in January 2026 after receiving a complaint concerning the encroachment of government land in Bicholi village. The situation was reviewed in the Tehsildar court, and a 30-day window was allowed for filing an appeal. However, no appeal was submitted," he explained.

He further mentioned that once the appeal period lapsed, the administration organized the demolition, which was successfully executed on Thursday with a proper deployment of police and administrative officials.

The District Magistrate highlighted that the land, nearly one hectare in size, holds significant value, estimated to exceed Rs 6.5 crore.

"This property is officially designated as grazing and manure pit land intended for community use. Nevertheless, it had been encroached upon for private purposes. Such violations will not be tolerated," he asserted.

Pensiya also urged the community to avoid occupying public land.

"If any encroachments are discovered, they will be removed promptly and restored for public use," he stated, adding that the district has established a land bank to monitor reclaimed properties.

Details regarding the total area and value of the land reclaimed will be shared in an upcoming press release.

In a related note, the District Magistrate referenced a comparable incident in Mubarakpur Band village, where local residents took the initiative to demolish an illegally built mosque.

"A portion of that structure remains, and action will be taken tomorrow. Due to the size of the building, a Hydra machine has been brought in, and the demolition is expected to conclude within a day or two," he revealed.

Pensiya underscored a growing trend of voluntary encroachment removals by citizens.

"Once they are made aware of provisions under Section 67, they begin dismantling illegal structures themselves to avoid penalties," he noted.

SDM Nidhi Patel reiterated that the Bicholi land involved two Gata numbers—1240 and 1242—both assigned for public purposes.

"Eviction orders were issued by the Tehsildar court, and a collaborative team from the Revenue and Police departments executed the operation. Sufficient security measures were in place to ensure the operation proceeded smoothly without any disturbances," she concluded.