Saturday (May 8), saw a major administrative action in Sambhal district when authorities demolished the Mustafa Qadri Mosque in Kaserua village of the Nakhasa area. The administration used bulldozers and a crane to remove the structure, including its 55-foot minaret.
The demolition brought happiness to the faces of local residents. However, it is important to understand why the administration has taken this action.
What Was the Administration’s Claim?
According to revenue records, the mosque stood on land recorded as a graveyard (Kabristan) under Gata No. 409. Officials said the mosque occupied around 120 square meters of government land.
The administration said that government land cannot be used for construction without legal authorisation. After an investigation, officials concluded that the mosque had been built on public land.
Also Read: Sambhal Mosque Faces Demolition as Authorities Probe Illegal Construction on State Land
What Did the Court Say?
The matter reached the Tehsildar Court, which heard the case under Section 67 of the Revenue Code.
On April 21, the court ordered the eviction of the mosque committee from the disputed land. The committee later challenged the order before the District Magistrate’s court. However, it did not receive a stay order that could stop the demolition. After that, the administration moved ahead with the action.
Why Did Officials Proceed With Demolition?
Tehsildar Dhirendra Kumar Singh said authorities gave the mosque committee an opportunity to present documents proving ownership of the land.
According to the administration, the committee failed to provide evidence showing that the mosque stood on private land. Officials, therefore, relied on revenue records and the court’s eviction order to carry out the demolition.
What Happened During the Operation?
The administration deployed bulldozers, dumpers, tractors and a large police force. More than 100 police personnel and PAC jawans remained on duty to maintain law and order.
Before the demolition began, local Muslims offered prayers at the mosque. Officials then removed gates and glass panels before bringing down the structure. District officials, including the DM and SP, monitored the operation on the ground.
What Do Local Residents Say?
Members of the mosque committee and several villagers claim the mosque is decades, and possibly centuries, old. They say people have offered prayers there for generations.
Some residents also alleged that authorities did not give them sufficient notice before the demolition. They argue that their side did not receive a fair hearing during the legal process.
Was There Any Earlier Action in the Case?
Yes. In January 2026, authorities registered an FIR against seven people. Officials alleged that they tried to get the land declared as Waqf property using incorrect facts and documents.
The administration claimed the accused attempted to facilitate the illegal occupation of government land.
Is This an Isolated Case?
Sambhal district has previously witnessed several anti-encroachment drives in recent months. Authorities have removed structures from government land at multiple locations, including religious sites, houses, shops and other constructions.
Officials say the campaign targets encroachments based on revenue records, regardless of the nature of the structure.
The Core Reason Behind the Demolition
The administration demolished the Mustafa Qadri Mosque because revenue records identified the land as government-owned graveyard land, and a court ordered eviction after authorities concluded that the mosque committee could not prove legal ownership of the disputed area. The absence of a stay order allowed officials to proceed with the demolition.
