The Sambhal administration on Tuesday initiated a survey of a cemetery located adjacent to the Jama Masjid following complaints alleging illegal encroachment on the land.
Officials said the exercise aims to determine the extent and nature of constructions reportedly raised on the site and to take action strictly in accordance with the law.
Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh confirmed that authorities had received complaints claiming that several individuals had constructed shops and houses on cemetery land.
Authorities are conducting the survey in accordance with legal procedures, he said, adding that the exact details of the construction will become clear only after the survey is completed.
The administration stated that the cemetery spans around 4,000 square metres and is recorded as plot number 32.
Officials stated that prima facie observations suggest the presence of shops and residential structures on the land.
However, officials stressed that they would draw conclusions only after completing the survey.
The Tehsildar added that officials are relying on old revenue documents for the exercise.
Officials are using the same official document, known as the NZA record—which establishes the existence of the Jama Masjid—to verify the status of the cemetery land.
Authorities described this document as the only valid record for the village.
To ensure accuracy, the administration has deployed a joint team of 20 revenue officials to carry out the survey.
Officials clarified that if the survey confirms illegal encroachments, the administration will initiate strict action against those responsible as per existing laws.
A joint team of revenue officials reached the site to begin the process, while senior officers supervised the exercise on the ground.
Heavy Security Arrangements in Place
Given the sensitivity of the issue, the administration has put in place extensive security measures.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kuldeep Singh and Circle Officer (CO) Alok Bhati are leading the deployment of a heavy police force at the site.
The authorities have also stationed women police personnel to help maintain peace and order.
ASP Kuldeep Singh said police deployment was fully active and on high alert.
He noted that Station House Officers from eight to nine police stations, several inspector-rank officers, and teams from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Rapid Response Force (RRF), and Local Intelligence Unit (LIO) were present.
The authorities have also mobilised the entire civil police force.
Authorities have placed the area under close surveillance using CCTV cameras and drones.
Authorities are carrying out monitoring through the Integrated Command and Control Centre (I-CCC), while the social media monitoring unit remains active to counter misinformation.
Officials said they have been in constant communication with local residents to prevent rumours and ensure that the survey proceeds peacefully and transparently.
To read more such news, download Bharat Express news apps
