The demolition was carried out amid heavy police deployment; concerns raised over action against Muslim establishments
MORADABAD — A major demolition drive carried out at Hayatul Uloom Madrasa in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday has intensified political and social debate over bulldozer actions in the state, with opposition groups once again accusing the government of targeting Muslim institutions.
The action was carried out in the Pakbada area of the district, where officials of the Moradabad Development Authority demolished the madrasa structure spread over nearly ten hectares of land.
Authorities said the matter had remained under litigation for around 25 years and that the demolition followed court orders in favour of the development authority.
Heavy police deployment was made in and around the area during the operation. Several JCB machines were used as officials supervised the demolition amid tight security arrangements.
Locals gathered near the site as the demolition continued for several hours, leading to intense discussion across the area.
According to officials, the land linked to plot numbers 498 and 499 had been under dispute for years. MDA secretary Pankaj Verma stated that the authority had received possession of the land as early as 2000.
He said the madrasa management later challenged lower court decisions in the Allahabad High Court, but the appeal was reportedly dismissed in 2005.
Verma further said that a proposal submitted by the madrasa committee before the development authority was rejected in 2007, after which the legal dispute continued.
Following a decision issued on April 29, the Uttar Pradesh government formally handed over the land to the development authority, officials said. After taking possession, the authority began constructing boundary walls before initiating demolition of the madrasa structure.
The operation has once again brought attention to the growing use of bulldozer actions in Uttar Pradesh under the government led by Yogi Adityanath.
Opposition leaders and Muslim organisations have repeatedly alleged that religious institutions, mosques and madrasas linked to the Muslim community are being disproportionately targeted through demolition drives and administrative action.
A resident near the madrasa said, “For many people, this madrasa was connected with education and religious identity. The scale of the demolition has deeply affected sentiments in the area.”
Another resident said, “People are worried because many believe Muslim institutions are increasingly facing administrative pressure.”
Supporters of the government, however, argue that authorities are acting according to court orders and land regulations rather than religious identity.
Officials maintained that the demolition was conducted only after completion of the legal process and in accordance with judicial directions.
The incident has renewed wider discussions about urban development policies, property disputes, legal enforcement and concerns raised by sections of the Muslim community regarding protection of their religious and educational institutions.
Political observers say such actions continue to carry strong emotional and political impact in Uttar Pradesh, where bulldozer operations have become one of the most debated aspects of state governance in recent years.
