Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh: A mosque in Sambhal district has come under investigation after a land survey reportedly revealed that it was constructed on a plot officially designated as a graveyard. The development has prompted authorities to file a case against seven members of the mosque’s management committee, who are accused of concealing the land’s original designation and submitting false documents to secure Waqf status for the property.

Allegations Against the Mosque Committee

According to official sources, the mosque in Kaserua village was registered with the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board on June 19, 2023. However, a detailed survey of the land by revenue officials indicated that the plot, as per official records, was intended for use as a graveyard.

Following the findings, Lekhpal Khabar Hussain of Sambhal tehsil filed a complaint highlighting that the mosque’s management had allegedly misrepresented facts regarding the land. Based on this complaint, a case was registered against seven members of the mosque committee, namely: Zakir Hussain, Taslim, Bhure Ali, Sharfuddin, Dil Sharif, Mohbad Ali, and Nanhe.

It is alleged that the committee intentionally concealed the land’s cemetery designation when submitting documentation to the Central Waqf Board, and submitted false evidence to have the property declared as Waqf.

Legal Provisions Invoked

The case has reportedly been registered under Section 329(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to criminal trespass and house-trespass, as well as under provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984. Authorities are investigating the committee’s role in allegedly falsifying records and misrepresenting the nature of the land.

Background Context

Sambhal district has a history of land and religious disputes, particularly involving mosques and temples. The current case comes amid heightened attention following the Shahi Jama Masjid-Harihar temple dispute, in which Hindu parties claimed last year that a mosque was actually constructed on the site of the ancient Shri Harihar Temple.

A court-ordered survey was conducted in two phases in November 2025 to ascertain the historical and legal status of the disputed site. The mosque committee had initially challenged the court’s directive to conduct the survey, but the Allahabad High Court upheld the lower court’s decision, allowing the survey to proceed.

Implications

The case raises serious questions about transparency in the registration of religious properties and the mechanisms for declaring land as Waqf in Uttar Pradesh. Legal experts note that misrepresentation of land records can result in significant criminal liability, and authorities have become increasingly vigilant about such matters in districts with overlapping historical and religious claims.

Revenue and Waqf officials are continuing the investigation, examining land records, and verifying the documents submitted by the mosque management to ascertain whether there was deliberate falsification. The development may also impact ongoing disputes and court cases regarding the allocation and legal status of religious lands in the region.

The Sambhal police have confirmed that the investigation is underway and that additional evidence, including documents and survey reports, will be collected before filing a formal charge sheet against the accused committee members.

Broader Context in Sambhal

Sambhal has frequently been in the news for disputes involving religious sites, making the proper registration and verification of Waqf properties a sensitive issue. Cases such as the Shahi Jama Masjid-Harihar temple disputeunderscore the complexities of historical land claims and the need for rigorous administrative oversight.

Officials have emphasized that the registration of Waqf properties must strictly adhere to legal provisions, ensuring that public trust and historical records are respected. Misrepresentation, they noted, can undermine faith in the system and potentially exacerbate communal tensions.

As of now, the focus remains on ascertaining the truth behind the mosque’s land ownership, verifying the authenticity of the documents submitted to the Sunni Central Waqf Board, and taking appropriate legal action against those found culpable.