Uttar Pradesh Administration to Remove “Religious Encroachments” in Sambhal

The Sambhal district administration in Uttar Pradesh will soon remove a mosque and part of a temple encroaching on a Public Works Department (PWD) road, Muslim Mirror reported. Officials confirmed both structures were built on government land along the Sambhal–Behjoi road, obstructing public access.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vandana Mishra stated the encroachments were identified during a recent survey. “The mosque was constructed on the road itself, while the temple extended onto it with a verandah and well,” she said. The action follows November 2024 clashes over an ASI-protected mosque survey that left four dead.

While locals claim both structures existed for 25–30 years, Mishra emphasized public roads cannot be compromised. The administration also addressed unrelated land misuse cases, including a commercial shop on gram sabha land and a madrassa operating on school-designated property.

The removals are part of a district-wide effort to reclaim public land and enforce regulations.