NEW DELHI – In the quiet village of Saif Khan Sarai in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, a local imam who scrapes by in tough times has been hit with a massive fine of nearly ₹7 crore. The Tehsildar Court ruled that a mosque, a shrine, and several houses built on what it calls village community land are illegal. The order calls for their removal and sets a 30-day window for an appeal. In the absence of any appeal, the buildings could be knocked down, and the fine collected.
Imams Aftab Hussain and Mehtab Hussain, who lead prayers in the area, are named in the case. They stand accused of taking over the land, known as Khata No. 452, which covers about 0.134 hectares. Records show this plot was set aside for planting trees back in the 1970s, after earlier leases were cancelled. The court says the imams built the religious sites and homes illegally, and their claim that the land belongs to the Waqf Board—a body that looks after Muslim properties—turned out to be wrong after scrutiny.
Aftab Hussain, speaking from his simple home where he lives hand to mouth, shared his shock. “We have served this community for years, praying and helping people in need. This fine is like a death sentence for us poor folk. How can we pay such a huge amount? It feels like they are picking on us because we are Muslims,” he said.
The ruling has stirred up anger among local Muslims, who see it as part of a bigger pattern of actions against their places of worship in Uttar Pradesh, run by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Many point out that Hindu temples and other buildings on public land often escape such harsh steps, raising questions about fair treatment.
Mehtab Hussain added his voice, saying the land has been used for religious purposes for a long time. “Our mosque and shrine bring peace to villagers. We thought it was Waqf land, based on old talks in the community. Now, to face eviction and this crippling fine—it’s heartbreaking. We are just simple imams, not rich landowners,” he told reporters.
The Tehsildar, Dhirendra Kumar Singh, stood by the decision. He said, “According to revenue records, this land still belongs to the village community and has been illegally occupied. Based on the available documents and evidence, the court ordered the eviction.” He added that if no appeal comes in a month, the team will move in to clear the site.
But locals argue the probe was one-sided. One resident, who did not want his name used out of fear, said, “This is not just about land. It’s about pushing Muslims out. Look at how many Hindu structures stand on similar spots without any trouble. Why only us?” This feeling echoes wider worries in Sambhal, a place with a big Muslim population, where past clashes over a historic mosque survey led to deaths and violence in 2024.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.