By Team Clarion
ETAWAH — A mazar located in the ravine forests of Etawah district in Uttar Pradesh was demolished by the Forest Department on Wednesday, following a dispute over its legal status and location on forest land.
The action was carried out in the Fisher Forest area, where authorities used multiple bulldozers to remove the structure after concluding that no valid documents had been produced to support claims regarding the site.
The case had attracted attention earlier this year after a complaint was submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office in January. The complaint reportedly claimed that the structure was associated with a military commander linked to medieval ruler Muhammad Ghori and questioned the legality of its existence on protected forest land.
Following the complaint, the Forest Department initiated an inquiry into the matter.
Officials said notices were subsequently issued to Fazle Elahi, who had been associated with the upkeep of the mazar. The department asked him to submit documents and records relating to the history, ownership and legal status of the site.
According to forest officials, the matter was examined through departmental proceedings.
Authorities stated that during hearings before the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), representatives associated with the mazar were unable to provide documentary evidence supporting their claim over the structure.
A senior official involved in the proceedings said that repeated opportunities had been given to present relevant records.
“The concerned parties were asked to submit documents regarding the structure. After the available material was examined, action was taken in accordance with departmental procedures,” an official said.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.
