The court ruling has stirred up anger among local Muslims, who see it as part of a bigger pattern of actions against their places of worship in Uttar Pradesh
NEW DELHI – In the quiet village of Saif Khan Sarai in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, a local imam who scrapes by in tough times has been hit with a massive fine of nearly ₹7 crore. The Tehsildar Court ruled that a mosque, a shrine, and several houses built on what it calls village community land are illegal. The order calls for their removal and sets a 30-day window for an appeal. In the absence of any appeal, the buildings could be knocked down, and the fine collected.
Imams Aftab Hussain and Mehtab Hussain, who lead prayers in the area, are named in the case. They stand accused of taking over the land, known as Khata No. 452, which covers about 0.134 hectares. Records show this plot was set aside for planting trees back in the 1970s, after earlier leases were cancelled. The court says the imams built the religious sites and homes illegally, and their claim that the land belongs to the Waqf Board—a body that looks after Muslim properties—turned out to be wrong after scrutiny.
Aftab Hussain, speaking from his simple home where he lives hand to mouth, shared his shock. “We have served this community for years, praying and helping people in need. This fine is like a death sentence for us poor folk. How can we pay such a huge amount? It feels like they are picking on us because we are Muslims,” he said.
The ruling has stirred up anger among local Muslims, who see it as part of a bigger pattern of actions against their places of worship in Uttar Pradesh, run by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Many point out that Hindu temples and other buildings on public land often escape such harsh steps, raising questions about fair treatment.
Mehtab Hussain added his voice, saying the land has been used for religious purposes for a long time. “Our mosque and shrine bring peace to villagers. We thought it was Waqf land, based on old talks in the community. Now, to face eviction and this crippling fine—it’s heartbreaking. We are just simple imams, not rich landowners,” he told reporters.
The Tehsildar, Dhirendra Kumar Singh, stood by the decision. He said, “According to revenue records, this land still belongs to the village community and has been illegally occupied. Based on the available documents and evidence, the court ordered the eviction.” He added that if no appeal comes in a month, the team will move in to clear the site.
But locals argue the probe was one-sided. One resident, who did not want his name used out of fear, said, “This is not just about land. It’s about pushing Muslims out. Look at how many Hindu structures stand on similar spots without any trouble. Why only us?” This feeling echoes wider worries in Sambhal, a place with a big Muslim population, where past clashes over a historic mosque survey led to deaths and violence in 2024.
The area has seen a string of demolitions lately. Reports show at least 17 mosques and other buildings were razed in recent months, with more fines piled on. In one case, a mosque group was charged ₹9 lakh, and a madrasa faced ₹51 lakh. Critics say these moves target Muslims under the guise of clearing illegal builds, while Hindu sites get a pass.
Zafar Ali, a community leader linked to mosque matters in Sambhal, spoke out against what he calls heavy-handed tactics. In past events, he said police used too much force on protesters, leading to needless loss of life. “When we raised concerns, we were met with abuse and batons. It’s clear the system is stacked against us,” he recalled from earlier troubles.
The case started about six months ago when a local official reported the takeover under Section 67 of the revenue rules. The court heard both sides before deciding. Along with the fine of ₹6.95 crore, there’s an extra fine for costs. Revenue workers must now collect the money and free the land.
Yet, the imams and their supporters plan to fight back. They have already gone to the Allahabad High Court. “We trust the higher courts will see the truth and protect our rights,” said Aftab Hussain.
A local woman, Fatima Begum, showed worries about losing the mosque. “Where will we go for prayers? This place is our heart. The fine is impossible for poor people like us. It seems like they want to break our spirit,” she said.
Wider looks at Sambhal show a town caught in religious pulls. The famous Shahi Jama Masjid, built in 1526, has faced claims it was built on an old temple site, sparking judicial cases. In 2024, a court-ordered survey led to riots, killing five Muslim youths, allegedly in police firing.
Human rights groups have called out what they see as a push against Muslim sites. In a report on Sambhal’s woes, it was said that actions hit Muslim areas hard, with high fines and quick demolitions. “It’s like a planned crisis, using faith as a tool to divide,” the report noted.
Meanwhile, some Hindu groups cheer the moves, saying it’s about law and order. But Muslims in Saif Khan Sarai feel singled out. “Hindu leaders talk big about unity, but when it comes to our places, the bulldozers come fast,” said another resident, Ahmed Khan.
The 30-day appeal period ticks on, with the community holding its breath. If the high court steps in, it could halt the action. For now, the imams pray for justice, hoping their simple lives won’t be torn apart by what they call a biased ruling.
This story highlights growing fears among Muslims in Uttar Pradesh, where such cases seem to rise. As one local put it, “We just want to live in peace, but it feels like our faith is under attack.”
