Sambhal: A land dispute involving five bighas of land, estimated to be worth around ₹50 crore, in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district has moved towards administrative action. The SDM court has ordered that around 3,350 square metres of land in the Sher Khan Sarai area be restored in the revenue records in the name of the Arya Samaj temple and Gram Samaj. Following the order, 11 names recorded in the revenue records have been cancelled.
An administrative survey of the disputed property found 10 permanent houses and a mazar on the land. The administration has directed those occupying the property to vacate it and warned that eviction and bulldozer action could follow if they fail to comply with the order.
The dispute relates to land in Sher Khan Sarai, where the Arya Samaj temple approached the district administration about a year ago. The temple claimed that during the consolidation process in 1960, Gata numbers 103, 106 and 107 were recorded in its name.
According to the complaint, the land was subsequently transferred to private individuals through alleged fraud and collusion. The matter was taken up by Sambhal SDM Vikas Chandra, with both sides given an opportunity to submit documents and evidence during hearings that continued for nearly a year.
During the proceedings, the SDM court directed the tehsildar to conduct an on-ground survey and submit a report. The survey identified the 3,350-square-metre property as land recorded in connection with the Arya Samaj temple. It also found 10 permanent houses and a mazar on the disputed land. Based on the survey report, SDM Vikas Chandra ordered that the land be recorded again in the name of the Arya Samaj temple and Gram Samaj.
The revenue records have consequently been amended, with the names of Akila Begum, Ahmed Hasan, Ghulam Waris, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Alam, Mohammad Hasan, Mahir Hussain, Takirullah, Nurullah, Shabbiran and Sultan cancelled with immediate effect.
Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh said Gata numbers 103, 106 and 107 were originally recorded as Arya Samaj temple land, with its management entrusted to the Gram Samaj head.
According to the tehsildar, the Gram Samaj head and some local residents subsequently occupied the land, carried out plotting and sold portions of it. He also said that a mazar and more than 10 houses were later constructed on the property.
The tehsildar said the SDM court ordered restoration of the land records in favour of the Arya Samaj temple based on the investigation and survey report.
Following the order, the administration has begun preparations for further legal proceedings. Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh appealed to the occupants to vacate the property voluntarily. He warned that if the occupants failed to comply, eviction and bulldozer action could be undertaken in accordance with the law.
A revenue department team, accompanied by police personnel, subsequently visited the site and conducted measurements. Officials are now preparing the inspection report and taking steps for further proceedings.
