Sambhal: ASI Surveys 24 Sites, Including Newly Discovered Shiv-Hanuman Temple; Steps Outside Samajwadi MP's House Demolished

A four-member team of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) visited Sambhal on Friday (20 December) to conduct a survey of five teerths (pilgrimages) and 19 koops (wells).

The survey included Bhadrak Ashram, Swarga Deep, Chakrapani and Prachin Shamshan Mandir wells and the newly discovered Shiv-Hanuman temple in the Khaggusarai area.

A preliminary survey was done yesterday to save time in today's survey. It took eight to 10 hours for the team to survey all these places, District Magistrate (DM) Rajender Pensiya said.

"ASI will submit its report to us and the Uttar Pradesh government. More details will come out after the report. Total around 24 areas were surveyed," Pensiya told ANI.

Meanwhile, as part of the anti-encroachment campaign, the Uttar Pradesh government demolished the steps outside the residence of Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Zia Ur Rehman Barq.

The operation took place in the Deep Sari area and was part of ongoing efforts to remove unauthorised structures. A viral video of the demolition, featuring a bulldozer in action, has drawn widespread attention.

As per PTI, officials clarified that the drive is part of a broader 15-day initiative aimed at clearing encroachments obstructing public drains across the district.

Earlier today, a fine of Rs 1.91 crore was also imposed on Barq for electricity theft and a complaint was lodged against his father for threatening officials when they went to check metre at his home.