NEW DELHI/MORADABAD — A mazar known as Baba Faulad Shah Dargah was demolished by the district administration in Moradabad during an anti-encroachment operation, prompting concern among locals who say the site had existed for more than four decades.
The action took place on 7 July in the Pakbara area of Moradabad, along the Moradabad–Delhi National Highway. According to officials, the structure had been built on government-owned pond land and was removed as part of an exercise to reclaim public property.
Authorities stated that the dargah was located adjacent to the boundary wall of the Teerthanker Mahaveer University and occupied land recorded as a pond in official documents.
Officials said the demolition operation lasted around two hours. Along with the mazar, a nearby hall was also removed during the drive.
According to the administration, the land had allegedly been occupied unlawfully and a structure erected on it. Officials claimed that approximately 0.1620 hectares of government land were cleared during the operation.
A large police presence was deployed at the site to prevent any disturbance during the demolition. Senior administrative officials remained present throughout the proceedings.
Abhay Singh, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Sadar, said the action was taken after determining that the structure stood on pond land.
“This shrine had been constructed on land recorded as a pond. Action was taken according to the prescribed legal procedure to free government land from encroachment,” Singh said.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.
