By ARUN PRATAP SINGH
Pics: Mohtshim Khan
DEHRADUN, 26 Apr: In a decisive late-night operation, local authorities razed an illegally constructed Mazar on the premises of Doon Hospital, following an official investigation prompted by a complaint lodged on the Chief Minister’s portal. The controversial structure, allegedly erected on government land without authorisation, was demolished using a bulldozer, with no remnants were found in the debris. This illegal mazar had been existing since long within the property of Doon Hospital here which is now the hospital of Doon Medical College.
The complaint in this regard was submitted by Rishikesh resident Pankaj Gupta via the CM Helpline portal. Once the complaint was received and registered on the Helpline, direct instructions were issued by the District Magistrate of Dehradun to investigate the legality of the structure. In response, multiple departments, including the Revenue Office, Municipal Corporation, Public Works Department (PWD), and Doon Hospital Administration, were mobilised to scrutinise relevant land records.
The authorities had sought clarity on several pivotal questions, whether the Mazar was legally sanctioned, whether it encroached upon government land, and whether formal approval had been obtained for its construction. A comprehensive inquiry was conducted, and a formal report was sought also from the hospital administration. As it was found that no sanctions existed, a notice was subsequently issued to the mazar’s caretaker, or Khadim.
The structure had been the subject of much debate among Dehradun’s residents. While some referred to it as a place of religious significance, others questioned its origins. Inquiries reveal that certain individuals operating the Mazar engaged in superstitious practices, used to interact with the hospital patients and try to influence them to offer prayers at the site. Allegations also surfaced regarding involvement of financial transactions occurring under the guise of religious activity.
Prior to this action, the hospital administration had reportedly raised concerns regarding disturbances caused by the mazar, even petitioning the government for its removal. Acting upon these grievances, the authorities finally conducted a swift operation in the dead of night and early morning today, sealing the hospital road, deploying police forces, and carrying out the demolition. A joint team comprising the Municipal Corporation, PWD, Doon Hospital Administration, and District Administration oversaw the process.
City Magistrate Pratyush Singh, Superintendent of Police (SP) City Pramod Singh, and officials from municipal and health departments were present on-site, ensuring that the operation was executed efficiently. Heavy police presence was maintained throughout to prevent any untoward incidents.
Meanwhile, speaking to the media, District Magistrate Savin Bansal stated that a thorough inquiry had been conducted regarding the unauthorised mazar within Doon Hospital premises. The hospital administration was directed to submit a detailed report on the matter, following which a formal notice was issued to the Khadim associated with the site. However, as no legal documents or permits were presented, the mazar was declared illegal and subsequently removed.
It may also be pertinent to remind here that so far over 500 unauthorised Mazars have been demolished across Uttarakhand thus far. In recent months, the Dhami government has intensified its crackdown on illegal religious structures, including Mazars and Madrasas. As part of this campaign, more than 135 unauthorised Madrasas have been sealed, and over 50 illegal temples have also been removed. On April 22, a Mazar obstructing the expansion of the National Highway in Rudrapur, Udham Singh Nagar district, was also demolished. This particular demolition however, has been met with legal resistance, as a petition challenging the demolition was filed in the High Court.
Hearing the Rudrapur demolition case, the Uttarakhand High Court has directed a comprehensive survey of Mazars across Uttarakhand. The Nainital High Court sought a complete report on the matter. Upon submission of the findings, the Court instructed the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand to establish district-wise committees to oversee and assess the status of such religious structures. The High Court has mandated a detailed survey across the state, with a formal report to be presented in due course.
At the same time, Congress leaders on Saturday questioned the ongoing demolition of the illegal Mazars.
