The Uttar Pradesh government has directed the police to file an FIR against individuals accused of fabricating documents to falsely claim that a police post near Sambhal’s Jama Masjid is being built on Waqf land. The Yogi Adityanath administration has also mandated a district-wide investigation into all Waqf properties in Sambhal, warning that properties without valid documentation will face immediate seizure.
The controversy began when AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi alleged that the land for the police outpost belonged to the Waqf board. Owaisi took to social media, stating, “The police chowki being built near Sambhal’s Jama Masjid is on Waqf land, according to records.” However, these claims were dismissed by District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya, who confirmed that the land is municipal property and not under Waqf jurisdiction.
UP Police have labeled the claims as part of a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and incite communal tension. Legal action has been threatened against those spreading what officials call a “false narrative.”
The police post, under construction on vacant land near Jama Masjid, aims to enhance regional security and ensure a consistent law enforcement presence. This initiative gained urgency following violent clashes in November 2023 during a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, where claims of a historical Harihar temple on the site led to unrest. The violence claimed four lives and left several others, including security personnel, injured.
The Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed to oversee the construction and maintain peace in the area. Senior police officials, including SP Krishnan Kumar Bishnoi, have underscored the importance of these outposts in bolstering surveillance, delivering justice, and preventing future unrest.
In a broader crackdown, the Yogi government has ordered a detailed review of all Waqf properties in Sambhal. Officials have been instructed to verify ownership documents, with warnings that properties lacking legal proof will be seized. This directive is seen as a move to address long-standing allegations of unauthorized occupation of public and disputed lands under the guise of Waqf ownership.
In addition to the Waqf property probe, district authorities are conducting anti-encroachment drives across Sambhal. Efforts include reopening 19 wells and securing 68 sacred sites, collectively known as Dev Tirtha, as part of water conservation measures. Smart meters and CCTV cameras are also being installed to improve security infrastructure.
Police action has intensified in the wake of last month’s violence. A total of 50 individuals have been arrested, including Adnan, who was apprehended in Delhi’s Batla House. Adnan, along with his accomplices, was allegedly involved in orchestrating the violence.
The district administration is also installing smart meters and CCTV cameras in critical areas to enhance security and monitor public spaces. “Temporary encroachments are being cleared, and permanent ones are being addressed through legal notices and cooperation from local residents,” District Magistrate Pensiya said.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Sambhal, Shrish Chandra on December 28, said that the information is being gathered about who was behind them and action will also be taken against those who gave them shelter.
