Heavy police deployment turns Naroli locality into a security camp amid rising tension and community Anger
NEW DELHI/SAMBHAL – A madrasa in Sambhal district in Uttar Pradesh was demolished by the authorities on Thursday as part of an action against alleged “illegal encroachments”. The drive, carried out in Naroli Nagar Panchayat, also led to eight to ten nearby houses being declared illegal. A large police presence turned the locality into what residents described as a “police camp”, with tension spreading across the area from early morning.
The demolition took place in the Banjari Koan locality of Naroli town, which falls under the Baniyathar police station area of Tehsil Chandausi. The demolished structure, Darul Uloom Madrasa, was built on 285 square metres of land. According to the district administration, the land falls under plots numbered 1635 and 1636, which are recorded in revenue documents as land meant for compost pits and a public road.
Officials said the constructions, including the madrasa and several houses, were illegal. However, members of the Muslim community in the area have questioned both the process and the timing of the action.
Heavy Security
Even before the bulldozer moved in, members of the local Muslim community had begun vacating the madrasa. Books and furniture were seen being taken out as police personnel formed a cordon around the site.
A heavy police force was deployed during the operation. Personnel from five police stations were present, along with a Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) unit. Senior officers, including Sub-District Magistrate (SDM) Chandausi Ashutosh Tiwari, Naib Tehsildar Satyendra Chahar and Circle Officer (CO) Chandausi Manoj Kumar Singh, were at the spot to supervise the operation.
Residents said the entire area was sealed off early in the morning. “It felt like the whole locality had been turned into a security zone,” said Mohammad Rashid, a local shopkeeper. “There were police vehicles everywhere. People were scared to step out of their homes.”
Administration’s Stand
SDM Ashutosh Tiwari said the action was taken under Section 67, citing illegal occupation of public land.
“We had issued two notices to the encroachers and gave them sufficient time to remove the constructions,” Tiwari told reporters at the site. “As they failed to comply, action has been taken against the illegal structures, including the Darul Uloom Madrasa.”
He maintained that the operation was part of a broader drive against encroachments and was not targeted at any particular community. “This is purely an administrative action based on revenue records,” he said.
The administration claims that eight to ten houses were also built on the encroached plots and have been declared illegal. Action against these houses is expected to follow.
Notice Questioned
However, Naroli Panchayat Chairman Bittan Malik questioned the administration’s claim that due process had been followed.
“I have not received any information or notice in this regard,” Malik said. “The madrasa is a religious place. It is about 300 yards in area and has been functioning as a centre of Islamic education. If there was any issue, the administration should have informed the local body properly.”
He said that as an elected representative, he should have been consulted. “People are upset because they feel they were not heard,” he added.
Residents said the madrasa had been serving children from poor families in the area for years. Many described it as not only a place of religious learning but also a space where children were taught basic subjects.
“This madrasa was teaching our children,” said Abdul Hameed, whose nephew studied there. “We are poor people. We cannot afford expensive private schools. Now, where will our children go?”
Another resident, Shabana Begum, whose house has reportedly been declared illegal, said the family is living in uncertainty. “We have been here for years. Suddenly, we are told our house is illegal. Where should we go?” she asked. “We are not criminals. We are daily wage workers.”
Several women were seen standing at a distance, watching the demolition with tears in their eyes. “This is our place of prayer and learning,” said one elderly woman who did not wish to be named. “It hurts to see it broken like this.”
Tension in the Air
From early morning, tension gripped Banjari Koan. Shops remained partially closed and movement was limited. Police personnel were seen patrolling the narrow lanes to prevent any protest or gathering.
An officer on duty said, “We are here to maintain law and order. Our priority is to ensure that there is no disturbance.”
Residents, however, said the large deployment itself created fear. “When so many police and PAC personnel arrive, it sends a message,” said a young resident. “People feel they are being treated as a threat.”
Wider Pattern?
The demolition has once again drawn attention to the use of bulldozers in Uttar Pradesh as a tool of administrative action. Under the current state government, bulldozer drives against alleged illegal constructions have become common. Critics say that such actions often disproportionately affect Muslims and poorer sections of society.
A local social activist, who requested anonymity, said, “Whenever there is a drive, it is mostly in Muslim areas. People feel they are being singled out. The government says it is about encroachment, but why are similar actions not visible everywhere?”
The activist added that transparency in the process is important. “If notices were given, they should be shown publicly. The affected families should have been given a fair hearing.”
Legal experts say that while the administration has the authority to remove encroachments, due process must be strictly followed.
Advocate Sameer Khan, who practices in the district court, said, “If notices were issued, they must clearly state the grounds and provide a reasonable time to respond. If residents dispute the claim, they have the right to approach the court.”
He added, “Demolition of a religious structure is a sensitive matter. Authorities must act with caution and ensure that there is no perception of discrimination.”
It was not immediately clear whether the madrasa management plans to challenge the action in court. Some community members said discussions are ongoing.
Local Muslim leaders expressed concern over the demolition. Maulana Farooq Ahmad, a cleric from a nearby town, said, “A madrasa is not just a building. It is a centre of education and faith. If there was any issue with the land, it could have been resolved through dialogue.”
He said that the community feels hurt. “We want justice and fairness. The law should be equal for everyone,” he said.
At the same time, he appealed for calm. “I urge people to maintain peace and not take any step that disturbs harmony,” he added.
Close Watch
By late afternoon, the structure of the madrasa had been reduced to rubble. Police continued to guard the area. Officials said they would monitor the situation closely over the next few days.
“The situation is under control,” an officer said. “We are keeping a close watch on every activity.”
For many families in Banjari Koan, however, the day has left deep scars. The loss of the madrasa has not only disrupted education but has also shaken their sense of security.
“We feel helpless,” said Mohammad Rashid. “Today it is the madrasa. Tomorrow it could be our homes.”
As night fell, the police presence remained. The broken bricks of the madrasa lay scattered, a stark reminder of a day that has left the Muslim community in Sambhal anxious and uncertain about what lies ahead.
