The action was carried out in the Sambhal tehsil area, where officials identified unauthorized construction and possession on land officially recorded as a government pond. Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh personally led the operation, arriving at the site with a full administrative team and a bulldozer to begin the process of clearing the encroachment.
According to official information, the land was allegedly occupied by Kapil Singhal and Arif Hilal. Kapil Singhal is the brother of Rajesh Singhal, the BJP’s Western Uttar Pradesh regional vice president, while Arif Hilal is believed to be a close associate of Sambhal SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood. The case has drawn attention due to the political connections of the individuals named, though officials maintained that the action was taken strictly on the basis of land records and administrative procedure.
At the site, located near the SDM office on the Moradabad Road, the administrative team began formal measurements of the land using official marking tape to demarcate government property. The process marked the first step toward reclaiming the pond land and restoring it to its original status, in line with revenue and environmental regulations.
Officials stated that the operation was conducted as part of a broader effort to identify and remove illegal encroachments on public land, particularly water bodies, which are protected under government norms. The presence of heavy machinery signaled the administration’s readiness to proceed with demolition if required after completing due process.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenge faced by local authorities in safeguarding public land from illegal occupation, especially in rapidly developing areas. By initiating action in this case, the Sambhal administration has sent a clear message that encroachments on government property—regardless of alleged influence or affiliations—will be addressed through lawful and decisive measures.
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