A fresh wave of curiosity has gripped Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district after yet another ancient well was discovered. The well, located near Ekta Chowki, had reportedly been sealed and forgotten for decades. Acting on the District Magistrate’s directions, authorities began excavation around a massive tree that had grown beside and partly over the buried structure. However, the presence of the oversized tree has slowed down the digging work. Forest department officials will soon remove the tree safely, after which excavation will continue.
There is widespread speculation that this well may be linked to the communal riots of 1978. However, officials stress that no such claims can be confirmed until the excavation is completed.
Area on alert as well emerges after decades
The Mahmood Khan Sarai locality experienced sudden buzz on Wednesday when an old, sealed well was spotted buried under soil and thick vegetation near Ekta Chowki. Very few locals were aware of its existence, as the well had been closed for many years.
Following the District Magistrate’s order, a municipal team reached the spot and immediately began clearing the area for excavation. During the process, officials encountered a major hurdle, a giant tree growing over the well structure. Instructions were issued to remove the tree safely without damaging the site.
City Magistrate Sudhir Kumar and Executive Officer Manibhushan Tiwari were also present at the location. They reviewed the progress and directed the teams to work swiftly but carefully.
What is the history behind this well?
Little is known about the origins of the well found near Ekta Chowki. Locals claim it was sealed several decades ago and has long been the subject of rumours. One widely circulated story alleges that during the 1978 riots, the body of a murdered trader was dumped into this well. However, no official confirmation was ever established at the time.
With the reopening of the well, those old discussions have resurfaced. The administration has cordoned off the area for security reasons and municipal teams are cleaning and deepening the well to trace its structure. ‘People are discussing many possibilities, but only detailed excavation will give us clear answers,’ City Magistrate Sudhir Kumar said.
Excavation to resume after tree removal
Excavation began on Wednesday under instructions from the District Magistrate. Officials stated that the actual condition of the well and anything that may be inside will be known only after the digging is completed.
City Magistrate Sudhir Kumar explained that local residents informed the DM and SP about the well during their recent city visit. The well was identified beside a massive tree near Ekta Chowki. ‘The well has emerged during initial digging. The forest department has inspected the tree. Once it is safely removed, proper excavation will continue,’ he added.
