Authorities in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, have partially demolished a madrasa following findings of illegal construction on public land. The institution was already under scrutiny for alleged forced religious conversions.

  • Partial demolition of Madarsa Darul Uloom Rahimiya in Phulat village, Muzaffarnagar.
  • Illegal encroachment on public Gram Sabha land identified by administrative probe.
  • Ongoing investigation into alleged forced religious conversions.
  • Charges filed under BNS and UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act.

In a significant enforcement action, the Muzaffarnagar administration on Sunday partially demolished portions of Madarsa Darul Uloom Rahimiya located in Phulat village. The demolition was carried out after an official inquiry confirmed that parts of the structure were illegally constructed on public land.

The administrative move comes at a highly sensitive time, as the madrasa has been at the center of a major controversy involving allegations of forced religious conversions. Local authorities had previously been investigating claims that Hindu men and women were being subjected to conversion activities within the premises.

Legal Proceedings and Conversion Allegations

Following specific complaints, the local police registered a criminal case against the madrasa operator, Maulana Hafizur Rahman Ansari, and his sons, Zubair Ansari and Junaid Ansari. The charges were filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.

The convergence of land encroachment and religious conversion allegations highlights a growing trend of administrative scrutiny over unregulated religious institutions.

Muzaffarnagar SSP Sanjay Kumar Verma confirmed that Junaid Ansari has been arrested and a chargesheet has already been submitted to the court, signaling the seriousness of the ongoing investigation.

The Land Encroachment Probe

Parallel to the conversion investigation, a secondary administrative inquiry was launched to verify the legality of the madrasa's land holdings. Directed by senior officials, the probe involved the local administration and the office of the Additional District Magistrate (ADM).

The investigation concluded that the construction violated the provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, 2006. By invoking Section 67/5 of the Revenue Code, officials determined the construction to be an illegal encroachment on public Gram Sabha land, necessitating immediate demolition proceedings.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this action represents a multi-pronged approach by the Uttar Pradesh government to tackle both illegal land occupation and religious malpractice. By addressing the land issue through the Revenue Code and the conversion issue through criminal law, the administration is closing legal loopholes often exploited by unauthorized entities.

SSP Verma further noted that the administration is considering invoking the Gangster Act against the accused, emphasizing that no leniency will be shown to those violating state laws.

Did You Know?: The Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, 2006, provides strict mechanisms for the recovery of public land from illegal occupants through administrative orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the primary reason for the demolition?
The primary reason was the illegal construction of the madrasa on public Gram Sabha land.

2. Are there any criminal cases pending against the madrasa staff?
Yes, cases have been filed regarding alleged religious conversions under the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act.