A 30-year-old illegal madarasa in MP voluntarily demolished by its own manager

The first case after the enactment of the Waqf (Amendment) Act

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) – An illegal madarasa constructed on government land in the Panna district was demolished recently, marking the first such action following the implementation of the Waqf Amendment Act.

The matter came to light when a local Muslim citizen complained to BJP State President V.D. Sharma regarding the madarasa’s illegal status. Acting on the complaint, the administration issued a notice to the madarasa operators. In response, the madarasa director voluntarily demolished the structure.

This incident has sparked discussions on how such an institution was allowed to function unchecked for nearly 3 decades, and whether more such encroachments remain under the radar.

The madarasa was constructed 30 years ago in the BD Complex area of Panna without obtaining proper permissions. Despite repeated objections from locals, the director of the madarasa did not shut it down.
After the Waqf Amendment Act came into effect, the administration warned of strict action under the new provisions. In response, and likely fearing legal consequences, the madarasa director voluntarily demolished the structure using a bulldozer.
According to residents, the madarasa had been built on government land. Nearby residents and social activists had raised concerns about the illegal construction for years; however, despite multiple complaints, no concrete action had been taken. (The public thinks that since the BJP government has been in power in Madhya Pradesh for several years, such incidents should not occur. – Editor)
The madarasa director claimed that initial permission for the construction had been granted by the local gram panchayat. However, the area now falls under municipal corporation jurisdiction, making the construction unauthorized. (Who will believe this explanation of religious fanatics ? – Editor)