A structure described by officials as an “illegal shrine” was demolished in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district on Saturday during a large-scale “anti-encroachment drive” on government land.
The shrine, identified as Sher Ali Baba Peer, located in the Sirsi area, was removed using bulldozers in the presence of administrative and police officials.
200 Bigha Lake Land Under Government Ownership
According to Sambhal Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh, the land involved belongs to a 200-bigha lake area recorded in government revenue documents.
Officials said portions of this land had been illegally cultivated by nearby farmers over several years, while a small religious structure was also constructed on a portion of the encroached area.
“The site comprises 200 bighas of lake land,” the tehsildar said, adding that attempts were made to establish permanent claims over government land through such constructions.
Agricultural Encroachments Also Removed
Authorities said that along with the demolition of the shrine, large portions of agricultural encroachment were also cleared.
Around 70 to 80 bighas of land were reportedly freed during the operation, with officials stating that most farmers vacated the land without resistance.
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com. Read the full story here.
