Sambhal: Authorities demolished Darul Uloom Madrasa in Naroli town of Sambhal district on Thursday during an anti encroachment drive. Officials said the structure stood on 285 square metres of land recorded as compost pit and public road under plots 1635 and 1636. They declared eight to ten nearby houses illegal and signalled further action.
Police from five stations and a Provincial Armed Constabulary unit sealed Banjari Koan locality from early morning. Senior officers including Sub District Magistrate Ashutosh Tiwari supervised the operation. Residents removed books and furniture before bulldozers razed the building.
The administration said it issued two notices under Section 67 to remove illegal constructions. SDM Tiwari told reporters that encroachers failed to comply, prompting action. He described the drive as routine and based on revenue records.
Naroli Panchayat Chairman Bittan Malik disputed the claim of due process. He said he received no formal information and argued that the madrasa had functioned for years as a centre of Islamic education. Residents said the school served children from poor families who lack access to private institutions.
Several families now face uncertainty. Shabana Begum, whose home faces action, said her family has lived there for years and works as daily wage earners. Community members reported fear due to the heavy deployment.
Legal experts noted that demolition of religious structures requires strict adherence to procedure. Advocate Sameer Khan said affected residents hold the right to approach court if they contest the notices.
Police maintained patrols through the evening. Local clerics urged calm and called for equal application of law.
