Officials say the caretakers failed to provide documents supporting their claim over the site
ETAWAH — A mazar located in the ravine forests of Etawah district in Uttar Pradesh was demolished by the Forest Department on Wednesday, following a dispute over its legal status and location on forest land.
The action was carried out in the Fisher Forest area, where authorities used multiple bulldozers to remove the structure after concluding that no valid documents had been produced to support claims regarding the site.
The case had attracted attention earlier this year after a complaint was submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office in January. The complaint reportedly claimed that the structure was associated with a military commander linked to medieval ruler Muhammad Ghori and questioned the legality of its existence on protected forest land.
Following the complaint, the Forest Department initiated an inquiry into the matter.
Officials said notices were subsequently issued to Fazle Elahi, who had been associated with the upkeep of the mazar. The department asked him to submit documents and records relating to the history, ownership and legal status of the site.
According to forest officials, the matter was examined through departmental proceedings.
Authorities stated that during hearings before the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), representatives associated with the mazar were unable to provide documentary evidence supporting their claim over the structure.
A senior official involved in the proceedings said that repeated opportunities had been given to present relevant records.
“The concerned parties were asked to submit documents regarding the structure. After the available material was examined, action was taken in accordance with departmental procedures,” an official said.
Officials further stated that before the demolition began, items kept at the site were removed by those associated with its maintenance.
The administration then moved forward with the demolition operation.
A large security deployment was arranged for the exercise. Forest Department personnel from different parts of the district were brought in to assist with the operation, while local police were deployed to maintain law and order.
Authorities restricted access to the area during the demolition and did not permit unauthorised individuals to enter the site.
Witnesses said the operation continued for several hours.
According to officials, four bulldozers were used to demolish the structure and clear the surrounding area.
The site, locally known by some residents as “Syed Baba”, had become a point of local religious activity over the years. Supporters of the structure maintained that it held religious significance for visitors who came to offer prayers and pay respects.
However, officials maintained that the question before the administration was not one of faith but of land ownership and legal status.
The Forest Department argued that any structure located on protected forest land must have proper legal authorisation and supporting documentation.
After the demolition was completed, authorities removed the debris from the site.
Officials said the remains of the structure were disposed of within the cleared area and that steps were taken to restore the land.
The Forest Department has stated that plantation work has already begun at the location.
According to officials, trees have been planted around the site as part of efforts to return the area to its original forest use.
The action has generated discussion among residents and community members.
Some residents supported the administration’s decision, arguing that encroachments on forest land should not be permitted regardless of the nature of the structure involved.
Others expressed concern about the demolition of a site that had been known locally for many years and called for greater transparency regarding historical and land records.
Legal observers note that disputes involving religious structures often become sensitive because they involve both questions of land ownership and community sentiment.
They say authorities must ensure that due process is followed and that affected parties are given adequate opportunity to present their claims before action is taken.
Officials insist that this requirement was met in the present case and that notices had been issued before the demolition was carried out.
The operation forms part of a wider effort by authorities in several districts of Uttar Pradesh to identify and remove structures considered unauthorised on government or protected land.
Forest officials have stated that similar action may be taken in other cases where encroachments are found and legal ownership cannot be established.
For now, the site in Etawah has been cleared and converted back into forest land, bringing an end to a dispute that had been under administrative examination for several months.
While supporters of the mazar remain disappointed by the outcome, authorities maintain that the demolition was carried out under existing laws governing protected forest areas and followed the conclusion of departmental proceedings.
