Sambhal, Oct 2 (UNI) A major demolition drive is underway in Raya Buzurg village of Sambhal district, targeting illegal constructions on government land. The district administration began razing a large marriage hall followed by a mosque, both allegedly built illegally on pond land. The administration claims the structures, constructed adjacent to each other, were built without legal permission on several bighas of land designated as a pond. The village, located around 30 km from Sambhal headquarters, has been turned into a fortified zone in anticipation of public unrest. Heavy police force from multiple stations, along with PAC personnel, have been deployed, and drones are being used for surveillance. Sambhal SP KK Bishnoi stated, "The owners were given a 30-day notice period. After failing to remove the encroachments themselves, the administration had no choice but to take action. These constructions are illegal and occupy a vast area." District Magistrate Dr. Rajendra Pensia added, "The drive against encroachment is ongoing across the district. In this case, the structures especially a large marriage palace were built a on pond land. After hearing all sides, the tehsildar court issued the order, and we are following it. The general consensus is that if the structures are illegal, they must be removed." Earlier, on September 13, a team led by Tehsildar Dhirendra Kumar Singh and Naib Tehsildar Deepak Jurel marked the mosque, madrassa, and several houses with red crosses, indicating pending demolition. According to officials, the mosque spans about 510 square meters, while the adjacent Janata Marriage Hall covers approximately 2,810 square meters. Both were found to be illegally occupying government land. Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh said, "The mosque had been identified for action long ago. A notice under Section 67 was issued on September 2, asking the occupants to present ownership documents. As no valid proof was submitted, the demolition was scheduled." As the marriage hall was being torn down, members of the mosque committee approached the DM and SP, requesting four more days to dismantle the mosque voluntarily. A written request was submitted, but the DM has not responded yet. In view of possible protests, police have asked villagers to remain indoors, and surveillance is being maintained through drone cameras. The situation remains tense but under control.