Authorities demolish alleged illegal Eidgah built on graveyard land in U.P.'s Sambhal

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district demolished an alleged illegal Eidgah built on land designated as a graveyard in Madhan village on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The operation, conducted by the revenue department with support from a bulldozer, followed a court order issued by the tehsildar’s court under the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code. The site in question was located on plot number 208, measuring 0.0070 hectares (70 square metres), along the Asmoli-Lodhipur road in Madhan village. The disputed structure was reportedly erected on land originally reserved for a graveyard. According to tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh, plots numbered 208, 210, 218, and 417 were initially set aside for burial purposes. While plot number 210 still serves as a functioning graveyard, plot number 208 was allegedly repurposed for the construction of the Eidgah. This change in usage prompted administrative action to reclaim the land for its intended function. Local villagers had previously raised concerns over the encroachment, urging authorities to take measures to free the graveyard land. In response, the administration acted upon the court’s directive to remove the unauthorized structure. The demolition took place under the supervision of a substantial police presence aimed at ensuring public safety and maintaining order during the operation. The area in question lies within the broader context of land-use disputes that have become increasingly common in rural parts of Uttar Pradesh. Such conflicts often arise due to unclear land records, shifting community needs, and the lack of formal mechanisms for resolving property-related grievances. In this case, the dispute centered around the conversion of a graveyard plot into an Eidgah, a practice that raises both legal and cultural sensitivities. Tehsildar Singh emphasized that the administration had taken the necessary steps to address the issue in line with established legal procedures. He noted that while the immediate action focused on the removal of the encroachment, further legal proceedings are ongoing. These include the review of land records and the potential reallocation of the reclaimed land to its original purpose. The incident highlights the challenges faced by local governments in enforcing land-use regulations and balancing the interests of different community groups. While religious and cultural institutions often play a key role in such disputes, the legal framework governing land ownership and usage remains a critical factor in determining outcomes. In this instance, the court’s intervention underscored the importance of adhering to statutory guidelines even when addressing sensitive social issues.