Authorities in India’s northern state of Uttar Pradesh have demolished one madrasa and ordered the closure of two others, drawing renewed attention to concerns over actions affecting Muslim religious institutions in the country.
According to reports published by Indian media, the administration in Ghaziabad carried out the action after alleging that one of the seminaries had been built on government land. Officials cited land encroachment as the reason for the demolition and closures.
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Representatives of the affected institution, however, maintained that the madrasa had been legally registered since 2000 and possessed all the required documentation. They argued that the institution had complied with relevant legal requirements and questioned the basis for the action taken by authorities.
Madrasa Jamia Arabia Ishatul Islam in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, was demolished by authorities.
The administration stated that the structure had been built on government land and was removed as part of an anti-encroachment drive.#Ghaziabad #UttarPradesh #Madrasa #BreakingNews… pic.twitter.com/2lUm7csTqi
— Alitoday (@alitodaay) June 4, 2026
The development comes amid ongoing debates in India regarding the treatment of Muslim educational and religious institutions. Critics have expressed concern that such measures disproportionately affect minority communities, while authorities maintain that actions are being carried out in accordance with laws governing land use and public property.
The report also stated that Pinky Chaudhary, president of the Hindu Raksha Dal, called on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to initiate similar action against Darul Uloom Deoband, one of the largest and most influential Islamic seminaries in South Asia.
Read More: Sindh CM urges seminaries to focus on science, skills
In a separate development, restrictions imposed on a mosque in the city of Dehradun have reportedly led to further tensions. Following the restrictions, some Hindu groups began holding religious rituals outside the mosque premises, prompting debate and reactions from local residents and community representatives.
Observers say such incidents have contributed to concerns about communal relations in parts of India, where disputes involving religious sites and institutions have increasingly attracted public and political attention.
The latest developments are likely to intensify discussions over religious freedom, minority rights and the implementation of administrative actions affecting educational and religious establishments across the country.