A dispute over an illegal madrasa built on government land in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district escalated into a clash on Saturday (June 13), leaving one activist injured and prompting a police deployment in the area.
The incident took place in Insuniya village under the Makhi police station limits, where members of Hindu organisations claimed they had gone to gather information regarding administrative action against a madrasa allegedly constructed on land recorded as a government playground.
According to local residents, the land in question is listed in revenue records as a sports ground. Villagers allege that religious construction activities began on the site in 2018 despite objections from authorities.
Sources familiar with the matter said the Revenue Department had earlier intervened and stopped the construction. In 2023, an eviction order was also reportedly issued against the structure. However, locals claim that the construction remained in place and was subsequently used as a madrasa.
Recently, the tehsil administration is said to have issued another notice regarding the removal of the alleged encroachment. Although officials reportedly indicated that action would be taken, the process had not yet been completed.
On June 13, activists associated with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal reached the village to seek details about the construction and the status of administrative proceedings.
According to the activists, a confrontation broke out during their visit. They alleged that they were attacked with sticks, iron rods and stones, resulting in injuries to one worker. The allegations have not been independently verified, and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the clash.
Following the incident, members of the organisations staged a sit-in protest at the site and demanded strict action against those responsible for the alleged attack.
The situation quickly became tense, prompting the deployment of a large police force. Senior police and administrative officials reached the village and held discussions with the protesters to restore calm.
Officials assured demonstrators that action would be taken in accordance with the law and based on the existing complaints and revenue records. The administration also stated that if demolition or eviction orders against the construction remain valid, the legal process would be carried forward as per prescribed procedures.
Police have since been stationed in the village as a precautionary measure to prevent any further escalation. Authorities said the situation is currently under control and is being closely monitored.
The administration is expected to examine both the allegations regarding the attack and the status of the disputed construction on the government land.
