Bulldozer Action in Sambhal Removes Illegal Encroachments on Government Land

Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh:
A four-year-old eviction case came to fruition on Wednesday as revenue authorities in Sambhal carried out a large-scale bulldozer operation to remove illegal encroachments from 27 bighas of government land in Bicholi village.

The action was led by the Naib Tehsildar, supported by four law officers and 20 revenue clerks, starting from the residence of village head Atik Ahmed. The walls of the village head’s property were demolished first, followed by the dismantling of other unauthorized constructions.

Security and Crowd Management

The village was effectively turned into a security zone during the operation, with police personnel and Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed across key points. Riot control vehicles were also on site. While a few residents initially resisted the action, police intervention ensured that the situation remained calm. Many residents voluntarily removed their belongings before the bulldozers proceeded.

Details of the Land and Eviction Case

According to Tehsildar Dhirendra Singh, the 27 bighas comprise:

• 12 bighas grazing land
• 8 bighas orchard
• 4.5 bighas fertilizer pits
• 1.25 bighas playground
• 0.5 bigha school
• 0.5 bigha panchayat building

The villagers had been contesting eviction since 2022, appealing through the trial court and lower courts. Following court orders, residents were given time to remove belongings voluntarily. Structures vacated by residents were demolished immediately, while remaining unauthorized buildings are slated for further action.

During the demolition, a young man appealed to authorities to spare his house temporarily, citing his cousin’s engagement ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, highlighting the human side amid strict enforcement.