Sambhal: Authorities in Sambhal have imposed a fine of nearly Rs 7 crore on the city’s imam over alleged illegal construction on government land, officials said.
According to revenue officials, Maulana Aftab Hussain Warsi, the imam of the Jama Masjid, and his brother Mehtab Hussain allegedly built a mosque, dargah and a residential house on around 1,340 square metres of village community land in Saif Khan Sarai, which had originally been earmarked for tree plantation.
Court orders eviction, imposes Rs 6.94 crore fine
The Tehsildar court has ordered the eviction of the structures, stating that the encroachment dates back to 1965. Along with the eviction order, the court imposed a fine of Rs 6.94 crore on both brothers.
SDM Nidhi Patel said that if the encroachment is not removed voluntarily, the administration will carry out eviction proceedings.
The case came to light after a lekhpal (revenue official) submitted a report on June 24, 2025, to the court of Tehsildar Dhirendra Kumar Singh, stating that plot number 452, recorded in revenue records as village community land meant for plantation, had been occupied with constructions including a mosque, shrine and residence.
During the proceedings, Maulana Warsi objected to the action on July 18, claiming that the land belonged to the Waqf. However, officials said he was unable to provide documentary proof to support the claim during the hearing.
Multiple illegal religious structures cleared in Sambhal
Following the court’s decision, eviction notices have been issued to the imam and his brother. Officials added that several similar encroachments have been identified in the district. In recent months, authorities have demolished or cleared multiple illegal religious structures, including Madina Mosque in Salempur Salar, Gausul Barra Mosque in Raya Buzurg, and an illegal madrasa in Narauli. Notices have also been issued regarding a dargah-mosque in Saif Khan Sarai and a mosque allegedly built on a pond in Hatim Sarai.
In Kaserwa, another illegal mosque was found on graveyard land. According to officials, so far, around 17 mosques, 12 shrines, and two madrasas have been cleared from government land in the district.
