Locals call it an attack on communal harmony; the shrine was razed after court orders nullified purportedly fraudulent ownership documents
BALRAMPUR — The Uttar Pradesh administration carried out a large-scale demolition of a mazar (mausoleum) in Balrampur’s Sadullangar police station area, citing claims that it was built illegally on government land. The action on Monday has stirred tensions in the district, particularly among the Muslim community who considered the site a spiritual and cultural landmark.
The mausoleum, known as ‘Mazar Sharif Baba Shaheede Millat Abdul Quddus Shah Rahmatullah Alaih’, was frequented by both Hindus and Muslims, reflecting the centuries-old Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb—a tradition of communal respect and shared cultural practices. Local residents expressed deep sorrow at the demolition.
“This mazar was not just a grave; it was part of our heritage,” said Mohammed Rafique, a local resident. “People from both communities came here with prayers and hopes. It hurts to see it destroyed in this manner.”
According to official records, the land in question belongs to the Sadullangar police station, registered under Gunta number 696, covering an area of 2.16 acres. Authorities alleged that in 2013, former legislator Arif Anwar Hashmi had arranged for his brother Maruf Anwar Hashmi to become the manager of the mazar and falsely recorded 0.18 acres as private property. The site was subsequently developed without legal permission.
“The documents were clearly forged, and the land is government property,” stated Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Utraula, who issued an order on 19 March 2024 to nullify the fraudulent registration. A case under sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 120B and 2/3 of the Gangster Act was filed against those involved, citing a planned attempt to grab public land.
Despite appeals by the mazar management to the Devipatan Mandal Adjudicator, the claims were dismissed on 28 November 2025, clearing the way for authorities to reclaim the land. Following a two-day notice, the administrative team, along with police and revenue officials, demolished the shrine on 1 December. The debris was reportedly buried in a nearby government pond.
“This is very painful for our community,” said Fatima Begum, a local worshipper. “We have been coming here for generations. The government should have found a way to resolve this without destroying our heritage.”
The demolition has sparked discussion online and in local communities, raising questions about how long-standing religious sites are treated in land disputes. Some experts argue that, while legality is important, cultural and religious sensitivities must also be considered.
“This site represented communal harmony,” said Imran Qureshi, a local historian. “Destroying it sends a troubling message to the people who revered it, both Hindus and Muslims alike.”
The Balrampur administration has defended its action, citing legal ownership and court orders. Nevertheless, local residents are calling for the government to engage in dialogue with communities before carrying out such sensitive operations in the future.
