By – Shubhendra Singh Rajawat
Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh – A major controversy has surfaced surrounding the historic Astana Alia Qadriya Naushahia Dargah located in Janeta village of Chandausi Tehsil. Allegations have been made that the Dargah has been constructed on government land and that unauthorized financial collections are being made during an annual fair. The local administration has launched an investigation to determine the legal ownership of the land.
The situation escalated when a local resident alleged that the Dargah is encroaching upon government land and that illegal money collection takes place during the four-day fair organized annually at the site. In response to the claims, the Tehsil administration had demanded relevant land ownership documents from the Dargah’s Mutawalli (caretaker), Dr. Syed Shahid Miyan.
Dr. Shahid Miyan submitted documents asserting that the Dargah is Waqf property. However, preliminary scrutiny by the administration has revealed that the documents do not clearly confirm the land as registered Waqf property. Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh stated, “Prima facie, the submitted documents do not establish the land as Waqf property. If it is proven to be government land, strict legal action will follow.”
Investigation Underway
On Thursday, Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh visited Janeta village to inspect the site and meet with the Dargah’s caretakers. He reviewed the documents provided by Dr. Shahid Miyan on Saturday. The administrative team will now thoroughly examine the authenticity and legal status of the submitted documents.
Fair Suspended by Administration
The controversy intensified just five days before the scheduled annual fair this year. Due to the ongoing dispute, the administration denied permission to conduct the event, citing Section 63 of the UP Revenue Code. Consequently, the Dargah committee was compelled to cancel the fair, which typically draws vendors and devotees from Sambhal and neighboring districts.
First Case Under Amended Waqf Act in the District
This incident has become the first case in the district under the amended Waqf Act. Several villagers claim that the Dargah’s land is government property and allege that Dr. Shahid Miyan unlawfully took possession and declared himself the Mutawalli. They also accuse him of collecting money through the organization of the fair without legal authorization.
Tehsildar’s Statement
Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh emphasized, “The villagers had submitted a complaint regarding the Dargah’s land. We demanded the relevant documents from the Mutawalli, which have now been submitted. At first glance, there is no clear indication that the land is Waqf property. A detailed investigation is ongoing, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.”
The outcome of the investigation will determine the legal status of the land and the future of the Dargah’s events and administration.