Kanpur: The Forest Department demolished a mazar built on the grave of Sayyed Shah Baba, located on 3,000 square feet of government land in the Fisher Forest area, approximately 1.5 kilometers from Etawah. The action came after the caretaker failed to provide legal documentation proving the structure's legitimacy.
Demolition Operation
The operation began late Wednesday evening and continued into the late-night hours. Three bulldozers worked for around seven hours to bring down the mazar. By 1 am, the structure was completely removed. The forest department then cleared the site and planted trees in its place.
Security and Restrictions
Over 20 police personnel were stationed at the location, and entry and movement were restricted along the route to ensure the operation proceeded without incident.
Background of the Dispute
In January, Hindu organizations submitted a complaint on the Chief Minister's portal regarding the 'Beehad Wale Sayyed Baba' mazar, alleging it was illegal. The forest department conducted an inquiry and issued directions for its removal. The caretaker approached the court, but the plea was dismissed.
Legal Proceedings
Forest Range Officer Ashok Kumar Sharma stated that the mazar was in Compartment Number-3 of the Fisher forest. According to records and gazettes from 1916, 1936, and 1946, the land is registered under the forest department. Under the Forest Conservation Act of 1980, no non-forest activity is permitted on this land without central government approval.
On January 23, the forest department prohibited religious activities at the mazar and filed a suit in the court of the District Forest Officer. On March 28, a final chance was given, but the caretaker failed to produce legal documents, leading the court to order the mazar's removal.
Caretaker's Appeal
Caretaker Fazl e Ilahi appealed against the District Forest Officer's order before the Forest Conservator in Kanpur, requesting cancellation of the demolition order. However, the Forest Conservator dismissed the appeal. Notably, no 'Urs' (annual fair) was held in February this year.
There is no official record indicating when the mazar was built, who constructed it, or when it was established.
