Administration cites encroachment on government grazing land in Govali village, officials cite panchayat notices and land records
BHARUCH – A dispute has broken out in Gujarat after the district administration in Bharuch demolished the Balapir Dargah and two adjoining mazars in Govali village, citing alleged encroachment on government grazing land. The action was carried out in the presence of heavy police deployment, leading to concern among local Muslims and raising fresh political questions in the state.
According to officials, the structure stood on government-owned charagah (grazing) land. They said the village panchayat had issued notices earlier, asking those linked to the site to vacate the land. When the land was not cleared, the administration moved in with bulldozers.
However, members of the minority community have questioned the manner in which the demolition was carried out. They said the site was years-old and claimed that it had religious importance for local Muslims.
The demolition took place in Govali village of Bharuch district, a Hindu-majority area. On the day of the action, a large number of police personnel were present to prevent any disturbance.
Officials said the step was taken after repeated complaints from some villagers who alleged that Balapir Dargah, two mazars and a small room had been constructed illegally on government land meant for grazing animals.
A senior district official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “The land is recorded as government charagah land. Notices were issued by the gram panchayat. Since the land was not vacated, the administration carried out the demolition as per procedure.”
Police officers and revenue officials were present at the site when bulldozers were used to pull down the structure. Members of the village panchayat were also reportedly present.
Local sources said that some Hindu organisations had objected to the presence of the dargah and mazars on the grazing land. They had submitted written complaints to the district collector, asking for action. It is learnt that they claimed the land was being used unlawfully.
One villager who supported the action said, “This land belongs to the village and is meant for animals. We had given complaints several times. The administration has now acted.”
However, Muslim residents have alleged that the action was taken under pressure. A local Muslim elder told reporters, “The dargah had been here for many years. If there was any issue, it should have been discussed with the community. Demolishing a religious place with bulldozers hurts sentiments.”
Officials maintained that notices had been served by the gram panchayat asking those responsible for the construction to vacate the land. According to them, there was no response even after repeated warnings.
Yet, some residents said they were not properly informed before the demolition was carried out. A person linked to the site said, “We were not given clear and final information about the date of demolition. When the bulldozers came, only the caretaker was present.”
Reports indicate that at the time of the demolition, no major representative of the dargah management was present at the spot. Only the khadim, or caretaker, was said to be there.
The khadim reportedly told local media, “I was alone here. Suddenly, the police and officials came with bulldozers. I had no power to stop them.”
The demolition has again brought attention to the ongoing debate over bulldozer action in Gujarat. Opposition leaders and social groups have often accused the BJP government in the state of targeting minority religious sites under the pretext of removing encroachments.
A local social activist said, “If the land issue was genuine, the administration should have followed a transparent and sensitive approach. Religious structures should not be handled like ordinary constructions.”
On the other hand, officials have rejected allegations of bias. An officer said, “Action is taken wherever there is illegal construction on government land, irrespective of religion. This is about land records and law.”
During the demolition, several villagers gathered at the site, though no violence was reported. Police remained deployed in the area to maintain order.
Residents said the atmosphere in the village was tense but under control. “People are upset, especially the minority community. But there has been no clash,” said a local shopkeeper.
For many Muslims in the area, the loss of the dargah has emotional value beyond the land dispute. “It was a small place, but people used to come and offer prayers. It had spiritual meaning for us,” said another resident.
Community members have now demanded a fair review of the case and clarity on land records. Some have urged the authorities to hold talks with local representatives to avoid similar situations in the future.
Legal experts say that in cases involving religious structures, clear communication and transparency are important to prevent mistrust. “Even if the land belongs to the government, due process must be visible and sensitive,” said a lawyer based in Bharuch.
As the debate continues, the demolition in Govali village has once again raised larger questions about land, law, and the handling of religious sites in Gujarat. For the minority community in the area, the issue is not just about property, but about dignity and equal treatment under the law.
