BJP MLA Shalabh Mani Tripathi
Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, August 26, 2025 – A complaint by BJP MLA Shalabh Mani Tripathi has triggered an investigation into the alleged illegal expansion of a mazar near an overbridge on the Deoria-Gorakhpur highway. The issue, raised on June 25, 2025, has stirred local debate, with authorities now probing claims of unauthorized construction and land encroachment.
Tripathi’s complaint, lodged with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, pointed to concerns about the mazar’s expansion near the Kasia Bypass overbridge. He alleged that the structure was being built on government land without permission, raising questions about its legality. The MLA also referenced historical tensions, noting that RSS pracharak Ramnagina Yadav, reportedly murdered in the past for opposing the mazar, had raised similar concerns. Following the complaint, Principal Secretary Sanjay Prasad ordered Deoria’s district officials to verify land records, remove any illegal structures, and submit a detailed report.
Local residents have mixed views. Majority of Muslims see the mazar as a place of faith, while others worry about traffic disruptions and land misuse. “The overbridge area is already congested. Any unauthorized construction makes it worse,” said a shopkeeper. Others, like Rukhsana Begum, argue the mazar has been there for years and serves the community. The controversy echoes similar disputes across Uttar Pradesh, where unauthorized religious structures have faced scrutiny.
The district administration has promised a thorough investigation. “We’re checking all records to ensure no government land is encroached upon,” said a senior official. The probe includes examining the mazar’s history and any permits tied to its construction. This comes amid a broader state campaign, with over 500 unauthorized mazars demolished in Uttarakhand and similar actions in Uttar Pradesh, including a recent demolition in Rudrapur that faced legal challenges.
The investigation’s outcome could set a precedent for handling such disputes in Deoria, a district known for its cultural heritage and temples. For now, residents await clarity, hoping for a resolution that balances faith, law, and public safety.
