Muslim tailor commits suicide after LDA ‘demolished’ his house

In Uttar Pradesh’s capital Lucknow, a Muslim tailor commits suicide due to economic stress after his house was razed and his sewing machine taken away by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA). The deceased identified as Aziz, a tailor from Akbar Nagar, Lucknow.

The demolition in Akbar Nagar has been ongoing since December last year, targeting alleged illegal encroachments and leaving approximately 15,000 residents in distress. On October 13, under Section 27(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973, the LDA ordered the demolition of houses in Akbar Nagar I & II, areas predominantly inhabited by financially struggling families.

Aziz’s house was among those demolished. Aziz is survived by his wife and six-month-old daughter. After losing their home, Aziz and his family were forced to live in a tent. For a livelihood, Aziz took up tailoring. However, on July 20, authorities seized his sewing machine, which he managed to reclaim only after allegedly paying a bribe of Rs 800. Aziz’s house was situated near Kukrail drain of Akbar Nagar. He had a temporary tailoring shop. Family members told that after the demolition action happened in Akbar Nagar, he was also displaced by the government in Basant Kuj Yojana. Family members said that Aziz was upset due to loss of employment.

Struggling to make ends meet, Aziz took his own life, leaving behind his grieving family. The demolition order is part of the Gomti Riverfront Project, initiated by the Yogi Adityanath government in 2016, aiming to beautify the riverbed across the state capital. According to the National Green Tribunal norms, construction on riverbeds is prohibited, even for property owners, as it can obstruct rainwater flow and lead to flooding. Hindu families have also been affected by the demolition drive.

However, last month official started a militarised demolition drive of shops and homes in the over 50-year-old predominantly Muslim locality.