Bulldozer Action in Bahraich: A Dozen Illegal Shrines Demolished Near Medical College

Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh: In a major administrative कार्रवाई, the Bahraich district administration on Monday demolished around 10 to 12 illegal shrines (mazars) constructed near the Maharaja Suheldev Medical College. The action was carried out using bulldozers after repeated notices to remove the encroachments went unheeded.

According to City Magistrate Rajesh Prasad, a notice had been served to the concerned parties, directing them to remove ten illegal shrines by January 17. However, as the deadline passed without compliance, the demolition drive was conducted on the District Magistrate’s orders, in the presence of a heavy police force.

“Out of the shrines at the Astana Rasool Shah Baswadi site, only two are legally registered with the Sunni Waqf Board. These two have been left untouched, while the remaining illegal structures, along with the boundary wall of the astana, have been demolished,” Prasad said.

Long-Standing Dispute Since 2002

Officials revealed that complaints regarding the illegal shrines date back to 2002, when local residents had first approached the then City Magistrate seeking their removal. Orders were issued at that time, but the shrine committee challenged the decision in the District Magistrate’s court and later before the Commissioner. However, due to a lack of supporting evidence, rulings did not go in the committee’s favor, paving the way for the present action.

Caretaker Mohammad Shafiq confirmed that the two surviving shrines are registered with the Sunni Waqf Board under registration number 2137.

Heavy Security Deployment, Situation Peaceful

To prevent any untoward incident, police teams from three police stations were deployed at the site, along with senior administrative officials. Authorities said the situation remained peaceful throughout the operation.

The demolition drive underscores the administration’s resolve to act against illegal encroachments, even in sensitive areas, while sparing structures that are legally registered.