Bulldozer Action on Abdul Ghani Shah’s Shrine Sparks Tension in Deoria, Dargah Committee Alleges Threat of ‘Sambhal-like Case’

The demolition of the Abdul Ghani Shah shrine located beneath the Gorakhpur Road overbridge in Deoria has triggered sharp political reactions and heightened communal sensitivities in the district. Acting on an order of the SDM court, the district administration on Sunday carried out a bulldozer operation, razing the structure that was allegedly built on government land without approved maps.

Heavy police deployment was made in and around the site from early morning. Entry and exit routes were sealed, and the entire area was barricaded to prevent any untoward incident. Senior administrative and police officials, including the Joint Magistrate, remained present throughout the operation, which continued till late evening.

‘Threatened With Sambhal-like Case,’ Says Committee President

Following the demolition, Dargah Committee President Mohammad Rashid Khan alleged that the administration pressured the committee into giving written consent for removal of the shrine. He claimed that officials warned of FIRs and legal action similar to the Sambhal case if the structure was not dismantled voluntarily.

“On Saturday night, we were clearly told that if we did not remove the shrine ourselves, bulldozers would arrive on Sunday afternoon. We were also warned that a case like Sambhal would be registered against us,” Rashid Khan said.
“Who would want such a case against themselves? That is why we gave our consent in writing,” he added.

Background of the Case

According to official records, the shrine stood on land classified as banjar (barren government land). The matter was heard in the SDM Sadar Court, where it emerged that the land had been allegedly transferred in the name of the shrine in 1992 through forged entries. After a detailed inquiry, the court declared the land government property once again and ordered the removal of encroachment.

The administration subsequently directed the shrine committee to clear the site. On Sunday morning, committee members themselves began removing loudspeakers and other items before the bulldozer action commenced.

SDM Sadar Shruti Sharma stated that the committee’s cooperation in removing the encroachment was “commendable” and that adequate force was deployed only to maintain law and order.

Political Reactions Intensify

The demolition has sharply divided political opinion. Deoria MLA Dr. Shalabh Mani Tripathi termed the action a “victory of justice” and thanked Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on behalf of the district.

“This illegal shrine had expanded year after year. Those associated with it tried every legal and political maneuver to stop the action, but justice has finally prevailed,” the MLA said. He also demanded criminal cases against those involved in grabbing government land and recovery of dues for years of illegal occupation.

On the other hand, the Samajwadi Party strongly criticized the demolition, calling it a “black day in Deoria’s history.” District President Vyas Yadav said religious places are deeply connected to people’s sentiments, and such actions hurt communal harmony. He accused the administration of acting in haste and under political pressure, warning that such steps could damage Deoria’s long-standing Ganga-Jamuni culture.

Administration on Alert

While the demolition has been completed without violence, the administration remains alert in view of the sensitive nature of the issue. Officials maintain that the action was purely legal and based on court orders, while political and social reactions continue to unfold.

The incident once again brings the spotlight on the state’s aggressive stance against alleged encroachments on government land—and the growing debate around legality, faith, and governance in Uttar Pradesh.