Officials say construction on the cemetery land violated legal rules and the Waqf status of the property
HARDOI — The administration in Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh carried out a bulldozer action against alleged illegal constructions on graveyard land, demolishing five shops said to have been built on Waqf property.
The action took place in the Kotwali area of the city under tight police security. Officials said the land belongs to the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board and is managed by the Anjuman Islamia Committee.
According to the administration, the shops were constructed illegally on cemetery land after part of the boundary wall was removed. One of the structures reportedly included permanent construction.
The demolition drive was led by Municipal Council Executive Officer Ramendra Kumar along with revenue and police officials. Bulldozers were used to remove tin sheds, shops and permanent structures built on the disputed land.
Officials alleged that Anjuman Islamia president Mohammad Khalid and secretary Mohammad Hafeez allowed the construction and allotted the shops to individuals without legal approval.
A senior official said, “Land registered as a graveyard cannot be used for commercial purposes without proper permission. Action has been taken according to the law.”
Authorities stated that notices had earlier been issued to shopkeepers asking them to remove the encroachment. However, when no action was taken within the given period, the administration proceeded with demolition.
Officials also referred to court guidelines stating that land recorded for a specific religious or public purpose cannot be diverted for another use without due legal process and permission from competent authorities.
Police confirmed that a case had already been registered on March 23 against Mohammad Khalid, Mohammad Hafeez and shopkeeper Riyasat Khan in connection with the alleged encroachment.
The action, however, has led to anger among some residents and shopkeepers. Several affected persons claimed the shops were built with the knowledge and consent of the managing committee.
One local resident said, “If the construction had been allowed earlier, then people who invested money are now asking who will take responsibility for their losses.”
Community members also expressed concern over the misuse of graveyard land and called for transparency in the management of Waqf properties.
A local social worker said, “Waqf and graveyard lands are meant for community and religious purposes. There should be accountability if such properties are misused.”
Following the demolition, security was increased in the area to prevent tension. Officials said the situation remained peaceful and under control.
The incident has once again drawn attention to disputes involving Waqf properties and allegations of illegal occupation, misuse and weak monitoring of religious lands in different parts of the state.
