Residents of Hatim Sarai threatened with bulldozer action, accusing them of encroaching government land; locals say they legally purchased plots and built homes with official approval
SAMBHAL — Panic has spread across Hatim Sarai area in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district on Saturday after authorities issued demolition notices to around 80 Muslim families, accusing them of encroaching upon pond land in Raya Buzurg village. The families have been given 15 days to vacate their homes, failing which the administration has warned of bulldozer action.
The notice, issued just days after the controversial demolition order for the Gausulwara Mosque in the same village, has left residents terrified and heartbroken. Locals say the move is part of a growing pattern of targeting Muslims under the guise of encroachment and “illegal construction.”
“This land was not grabbed; it was bought with our blood and sweat,” says Mohammad Zubair, a resident of Hatim Sarai. “We purchased this land ten years ago, paying money and taxes. The government gave us water, electricity and roads. How can they now call it illegal?”
According to the residents, the houses were built nearly a decade ago after proper sale deeds were executed. Some homes are made of brick and cement and others are kutcha structures — all sheltering families who have been paying housing tax and utility bills for years.
“When we bought the land, the authorities themselves approved power connections and even collected property tax,” Zubair added, showing old receipts as proof. “If it was pond land, why didn’t the government stop the sale at that time?”
The fresh notices have come close on the heels of the demolition of Gausulwara Mosque in Rawa Buzurg. After the local court refused to stay the order, the mosque committee members themselves began dismantling the structure.
For the residents of Hatim Sarai, that incident still haunts them. “First, they went after our mosque. Now they are coming for our homes,” said a visibly shaken elderly villager. “Where will we go with our children if our homes are torn down?”
Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh, when contacted, said the action is based on clear legal grounds. “Around 80 houses have been built on pond land, which is illegal. The high court and Supreme Court have both directed that such encroachments be cleared,” he said.
He also suggested that the residents may have been misled. “It is possible that some land mafia sold government land to these people. But the government must act according to law and vacate such land,” he added.
However, many locals allege discrimination and selective targeting. “There are alleged encroachments by others too, but only Muslim areas are being marked for demolition,” said Nadeem Ahmad, a school teacher in the area. “This is not about land; this is about identity.”
Residents fear they will lose everything if bulldozers arrive. “My father spent his lifetime savings building this house,” said 25-year-old Arif. “Now they say it’s illegal. Where were these laws ten years ago when officials came to inaugurate the streetlights?”
Sambhal district has witnessed heightened tension in recent months, with Muslims alleging that their religious and residential spaces are being unfairly targeted. Local activists say these actions deepen mistrust between the community and the administration.
“Demolition drives like this create fear and insecurity,” said social worker Farhana Begum. “If the government believes the construction is illegal, let there be a fair hearing first. Punishing entire families overnight is unjust.”
Despite fear and uncertainty, residents say they will approach the courts. “We have all the documents,” said Zubair. “We will fight this legally. We only want justice.”
As Hatim Sarai awaits the next move, the people’s anguish is clear. For now, the narrow lanes of this small Muslim neighbourhood echo with one question — if homes built with government taxes and ten years of residence can be declared illegal today, what safety remains for the poor tomorrow?
