By Team Clarion
BHARUCH – A dispute has broken out in Gujarat after the district administration in Bharuch demolished the Balapir Dargah and two adjoining mazars in Govali village, citing alleged encroachment on government grazing land. The action was carried out in the presence of heavy police deployment, leading to concern among local Muslims and raising fresh political questions in the state.
According to officials, the structure stood on government-owned charagah (grazing) land. They said the village panchayat had issued notices earlier, asking those linked to the site to vacate the land. When the land was not cleared, the administration moved in with bulldozers.
However, members of the minority community have questioned the manner in which the demolition was carried out. They said the site was years-old and claimed that it had religious importance for local Muslims.
The demolition took place in Govali village of Bharuch district, a Hindu-majority area. On the day of the action, a large number of police personnel were present to prevent any disturbance.
Officials said the step was taken after repeated complaints from some villagers who alleged that Balapir Dargah, two mazars and a small room had been constructed illegally on government land meant for grazing animals.
A senior district official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “The land is recorded as government charagah land. Notices were issued by the gram panchayat. Since the land was not vacated, the administration carried out the demolition as per procedure.”
Police officers and revenue officials were present at the site when bulldozers were used to pull down the structure. Members of the village panchayat were also reportedly present.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.
