Visually impaired farmer Jamil Ahmed says Alakhnath Temple Mahant Kalu Giri has been trying since 2017 to take over his ancestral land; court halts work on disputed area
BAREILLY — A serious dispute has surfaced in this Uttar Pradesh city after a visually impaired Muslim farmer, Jamil Ahmed, accused the Mahant of the famous Alakhnath Temple of trying to take over his ancestral land measuring 11 bighas. A court has now stopped all construction on the disputed land, offering temporary relief to the farmer and his family.
The case has caused deep concern among local Muslims, who say they have witnessed repeated attempts by powerful men to take land that has belonged to them for generations.
Jamil Ahmed, who had earlier avoided speaking to the media, came forward on Monday with detailed documents. He said the land belongs to his family and that his name appears in the Khasra Khatauni, the official land record.
He said, “This is my ancestral land. The Mahant has been troubling me since 2017. Sometimes he plants a peepal tree on my land, sometimes he builds a platform. He wants to forcefully take what is mine.”
Jamil added that his late father and grandfather had worked on this land for decades. He fears losing everything if the authorities do not step in strongly.
According to Jamil, the Mahant of the Alakhnath Temple, Kalu Giri Maharaj, has been claiming that the land belongs to the temple. However, Jamil says there is no basis for this claim and that the mahant is trying to use his influence to push him out.
A neighbour supporting Jamil said, “Everyone here knows this land belongs to Jamil’s family. The pressure on him is not right. He is a blind farmer, and he is being targeted because he is weak.”
The land dispute had earlier reached the court, which ordered the mahant not to carry out any work on the area. Despite this, the construction of the Nathnagar Corridor reportedly began again on the same land in recent weeks.
Once Jamil approached the court again, officials stopped the work, considering the site to be disputed.
A local resident said, “The court’s order has given some relief, but the threat has not gone away. People fear the mahant will try again.”
Jamil Ahmed said that even government papers from 12 years ago show the same entry: the land belongs to him.
He said, “I have all my documents. The land was in my father’s name, and now it is in mine. Still, they want to take it. What more can I show?”
Community members say that this case shows how easily powerful people can try to take land from poor families, especially Muslims who often lack influence in local administration.
Many Muslim families in the area say they want the administration to take a clear stand so that Jamil Ahmed is not forced to run to court again and again. A senior community member in Bareilly said, “If a Muslim farmer’s land can be taken like this, then anyone’s land can be taken. The government must stop such attempts immediately.”
At present, no construction can take place on the land until the court gives a final verdict. Jamil’s family says this is a small comfort, but the fear of losing their land remains.
The case continues to highlight growing concerns about Muslim land being targeted in several parts of Uttar Pradesh. Residents are watching closely to see what action the authorities take against the mahant and whether Jamil Ahmed’s rights will be protected.
