Demolition Drive | SabrangIndia News Related to Human Rights Mon, 30 Sep 2024 12:04:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://sabrangindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Favicon_0.png Demolition Drive | SabrangIndia 32 32 Demolitions: SC orders status quo on Sonapur demolitions, issues notice to Assam Government Uttarakhand, UP, Gujarat also ignore Sept 17 order https://sabrangindia.in/demolitions-sc-orders-status-quo-on-sonapur-demolitions-issues-notice-to-assam-government-uttarakhand-up-gujarat-also-ignore-sept-17-order/ Mon, 30 Sep 2024 12:04:10 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=38046 Contempt petition accuses Assam authorities of defying the Supreme Court's September 17 order staying demolitions across India; other incidents of local authorities across India bypassing legal safeguards and eroding the rule of law also reported from 5 BJP ruled states

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On September 30, 2024, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the State of Assam in response to a contempt petition filed by 47 Assam residents, accusing the state of wilfully violating the Court’s interim order from September 17, 2024. Notably, through the order of September 17, the Supreme Court had directed that no demolitions should occur anywhere in the country without the Court’s prior approval.

While hearing the contempt petition, a bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan had issued the notice, which is returnable within three weeks, and also ordered both parties to maintain the status quo during this period. Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing the petitioners, argued that the state had committed an “egregious violation” of the Court’s order. In response, Justice Gavai noted that no demolitions had taken place, to which Ahmadi replied that demolition notices had been issued, and such actions would likely continue unless stopped. The Court then ordered the parties to maintain the current situation until the case is resolved.

The contempt petition, filed on September 28, alleged that Assam authorities were in breach of the Court’s interim order from September 17, which had halted all demolition activities across the country without the Court’s express permission. It is pertinent to note that this order, however, did not apply to demolitions involving encroachments on public roads, footpaths, railway lines, or water bodies.

On September 17, a Supreme Court bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan had issued a significant interim order halting demolition actions nationwide while hearing a series of petitions against bulldozer-driven demolitions in various states. The bench highlighted the need to uphold constitutional principles, with Justice Viswanathan stressing that even one instance of an illegal demolition would undermine the rule of law, which should always prevail over arbitrary executive actions. (Details may be read here)

More about the petition filed by the Assam residents:

By filing the contempt petition, the petitioners had alleged that authorities in Assam have violated the Supreme Court’s order by marking their homes for demolition without issuing any prior notice, claiming they were encroaching on the land. The petition, which seeks contempt proceedings against the officials involved for demolishing their houses.

The petition references a previous order from the Gauhati High Court, dated September 20, 2024, in which the Advocate General of Assam gave an undertaking that no action would be taken against the petitioners until their representations were addressed. However, the authorities allegedly proceeded with the demolitions, further violating court orders.

According to LiveLaw, the petition stated that “The right to housing and shelter is a fundamental right as repeatedly affirmed by this Hon’ble Court and is integral to the right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. This fundamental right cannot be infringed without following due process of law. Thus, the demolition of properties by the authorities in Assam as a punitive measure for alleged crimes also violates this right.

The petitioners, residents of Kachutoli Pathar and neighbouring areas in the Sonapur mouza of Kamrup Metro district, assert that their occupation was legally valid through power of attorney agreements with the original landholders (pattadars). While they do not claim ownership of the land, they argue their residence is lawful under these agreements. The petition challenges the administration’s classification of them as “illegal occupiers” or “encroachers” on tribal lands, pointing out that some of the pattadars who permitted them to stay are part of the protected tribal class.

The petitioners clarify that they have never claimed ownership or altered the land’s nature, arguing that the land has been in their families’ possession since the 1920s—long before the establishment of tribal belts in 1950 under a government notification. They also emphasise that they have essential services like electricity, ration cards, Aadhaar cards, and voter ID cards, all based on their residency. They maintain they have not violated the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation, 1886, as they have not changed the nature of the land.

Further, the petition highlights that portions of the tribal belt are inhabited by non-tribal people, while other areas where tribals are a minority are still included in the tribal belt. The petitioners stress that for several decades they have lived peacefully alongside tribals and other communities, without causing any disputes or conflicts. Evicting them, they argue, would not only deprive them of their homes and livelihoods but also disrupt the social harmony of the region.

The petition also claims that the authorities marked the petitioners’ homes for demolition with red stickers without issuing any prior notice, in clear violation of the law. Specifically, they cite Section 165(3) of Chapter X of the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation, which requires that an eviction notice be given, allowing one month for occupants to vacate before any demolition occurs.

The petition argues that the demolition violates the principles of natural justice, especially the doctrine of audi alteram partem, which ensures the right to a fair hearing. The petitioners contend they were not given any opportunity to defend themselves, and the absence of notice deprived them of their homes and livelihoods, violating their constitutional rights under Articles 14, 15, and 21. The petition was filed through Advocate Adeel Ahmed.

Other incidents of demolitions despite the Supreme Court’s stay:

On September 19, 2024, in Laksar, Uttarakhand, local authorities demolished a mosque following a complaint from the right-wing group Hindu Jagran Manch. The demolition was carried out by officials from the Tehsildar’s office, Nagar Palika, and the police, despite protests from the mosque’s builders. Laksar Tehsildar Pratap Singh Chauhan explained that the mosque was illegally constructed on vacant public land. Hindu Jagran Manch had previously protested the construction and filed a complaint with the sub-district magistrate. As per reports, Chauhan added that authorities had instructed the builders to cease construction, but they continued regardless. A video circulating in the media showed a Muslim man lamenting that officials refused to consider their documentation.

Hindutva groups in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have recently launched campaigns against mosques, triggering protests and demands for demolitions. In Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, an alleged mistake in an RTI response, which initially showed no land records for a mosque, sparked protests. As per reports, further investigation allegedly revealed that the mosque’s land is legally registered under the Sunni Waqf, and local authorities are working to resolve the issue.

Also on September 19, 2024, in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district, a historic religious site in the village of Sahora was targeted by alleged Hindutva mob. The group demolished a shrine and replaced it with a Shivling. The police have since registered an FIR against those involved, and a heavy police force has been deployed to manage tensions in the area.

On September 21, 2024, a protest erupted in Dharavi, Maharashtra, when Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) staff attempted to demolish an allegedly illegal portion of the Subhania Mosque. The protest, which involved an estimated crowd of 5,000, escalated into a clash with BMC officials, resulting in property damage, including the breaking of a BMC vehicle’s glass. Notably, police responded by arresting three individuals accused of inciting the riot. The arrested individuals have been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 132, which is non-bailable and relates to obstructing government employees. Police also suggested that the protest was fuelled by inflammatory social media posts circulated the night before. Local residents attempted to de-escalate the situation by urging protesters to clear the road for traffic. The BMC has since given the mosque committee eight days to address the alleged illegal construction.

On September 24, 2024, in Madhya Pradesh’s Neemuch district, authorities demolished the home of a 70-year-old widow, Barkat Bai. As per media reports, the land had been granted to her under the Mukhyamantri Ashray Yojana in 2008. According to her family, the demolition occurred while Barkat Bai was away seeking treatment for an illness. Her son-in-law, Mohammad Rais, questioned how land legally provided by the government could be deemed illegal. Locals submitted a written complaint to the district magistrate, alleging that municipal officials had been pressuring her to leave the land for some time. They also claimed that her approved housing funds had been stalled, preventing her from building a proper home. Reportedly, in an effort to force her out, officials had dug a drainage trench outside her house, restricting her movement., while the authorities have stated that the land was cleared for the construction of a fire office.

In the early hours of September 28, 2024, authorities in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district demolished a centuries-old dargah, mosque, and graveyard as part of an ongoing anti-encroachment drive. The demolished structures included the tomb of Haji Mangroli Shah, located near Hazrat Maai Puri Masjid. Despite a Supreme Court order halting demolitions without prior approval, the authorities allegedly proceeded with the demolitions, claiming the drive was aimed at removing illegal constructions near the Somnath Temple to facilitate the Somnath Development Project. Around 150 protestors, including members of the dargah committee, were detained by police. According to local authorities, the drive cleared approximately 15 hectares of government land valued at Rs 60 crore.

On the same day, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, a mob demolished the wall of an under-construction mosque while objecting to its construction. The mosque, being built on land donated by a Muslim man as part of a resolution between two brothers, was attacked while Muslim community members were away for work. It is being alleged that religious books were torn, and a house was attacked, with a woman being thrashed by the mob. The mosque was planned because there was no mosque in the village of Kela Dandi.

 

Persistent violations: illegal demolitions continue despite Supreme Court orders

The issue of illegal demolitions in India has become a significant and persistent concern, despite the Supreme Court’s recent orders halting such actions without prior approval. As seen in multiple states, local authorities continue to bypass the law by labelling homes, religious structures, and communities as “illegal encroachments,” thereby justifying demolition drives. These actions often occur without due process, violating citizens’ fundamental rights to shelter and livelihood as guaranteed by the Constitution. The widespread disregard for legal procedures, despite the Supreme Court’s stay, underscores a deeper systemic issue where executive powers are misused to marginalise vulnerable communities under the guise of legality. This ongoing trend not only undermines the rule of law but also threatens the social fabric of the affected areas, with entire communities facing displacement, communal tensions, and loss of homes.

 

 

Related:

Supreme Court halts nationwide demolitions through interim order, emphasising the ethos of the Constitution

“Bulldozer barbarism”: Demolition drive in Surat after stones thrown at Ganesh pandal

As Khyber Pass demolitions get preponed to Sept 15, residents decry decision

Supreme Court rebukes “Bulldozer Justice,” plans to issue nationwide guidelines to prevent arbitrary demolitions

 

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Supreme Court halts nationwide demolitions through interim order, emphasising the ethos of the Constitution https://sabrangindia.in/supreme-court-halts-nationwide-demolitions-through-interim-order-emphasising-the-ethos-of-the-constitution/ Thu, 19 Sep 2024 08:52:45 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=37917 Supreme Court criticized glorification, grandstanding of bulldozer action and directs no demolition anywhere across country without permission

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On September 17, the division bench of the Supreme Court halts all ‘Demolition Actions’ across the country in a significant interim direction while hearing a batch of petition against ‘bulldozer actions’ in various states. The division bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan addressed the issue of illegal demolitions, the Supreme Court while underscoring the importance of upholding the ethos of the Constitution. Justice Viswanathan emphasised that even a single instance of an illegal demolition would violate constitutional principles, asserting that the rule of law must prevail over executive actions. The court made it clear that the state cannot act as both judge and enforcer, stressing that the protection of individual rights is central to the constitutional framework. This focus on safeguarding constitutional values highlighted the judiciary’s role in ensuring that even enforcement measures, like demolitions, adhere strictly to the law, preserving fairness and justice for all.

It is to be highlighted that the bench, while passing this direction, has also clarified that this order would not be applicable if there is an unauthorized structure in any public place such as road, street, footpath, abutting railway line or any river body or water bodies and also to cases where there is an order for demolition made by a Court of law.

The direction of the Court made a blanket ban over the bulldozer demolition across the country, till October 1, as the matter is listed for next hearing. Previously, the Court expressed that guidelines on ‘Pan-India Basis’ would be laid down, so that the concerns regarding demolition of properties of accused persons are taken care of. The Court also sought all parties’ suggestions to frame appropriate guidelines on its September 2 order.

Background

The Supreme Court is hearing a batch of pleas filed against the ‘bulldozer actions’ happening across the country in various states, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The pleas are expressing their primary concern with the allegedly arbitrary bulldozing of houses and properties of the accused as a punitive punishment.

On April 20, 2022, the Islamic Cleric Body, Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind was filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Supreme Court relating to demolition drive by North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) in April, 2022 in Delhi’s Jahangirpuri area and alleged that the NDMC had provided insufficient notice to those whose properties were razed.

As on April 16, 2022 a Shobha Yatra to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti was organised in Jahangirpuri. Rioting took place after stones were allegedly pelted at the event. Over 20 people were arrested in connection with the violence, with five accused booked under the National Security Act, 1980. On April 19, the Chief of Delhi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wing wrote to the NDMC pointing to the rioters’ illegally constructed homes and establishments. The next day, the NDMC, led by Mayor and BJP politician Raja Iqbal Singh, launched a drive to raze encroachments in the area, demolishing several structures in Jahangirpuri, many of which were owned by Muslims.

On April 20, 2022, the bench consisting of Chief Justice of India, NV Ramana and Justices Krishna Murari and Hima Kohli stayed the Jahangirpuri demolition drive and directed authorities to maintain status quo.

On April 21, 2022, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat and individuals whose properties had been razed, filed a petition in the SC challenging the NDMC’s continued demolition of properties in violation of the Court’s Order dated April 20, 2022.

On April 21, 2022, taking cognizance of the petition in Jamiat Ulama I Hind v. North Delhi Municipal Corporation [Writ Petition (Civil) No. 295 of 2022], a bench comprising of Justices L. Nageswara Rao and B.R. Gavai stayed the bulldozer actions and demolition drive in Jahangirpuri and directed authorities to not take any further action until further order of the court.

The demolition drive was stayed by the Supreme Court but the petitioners raised their concern before the bench against the alleged illegal ‘bulldozer’ action taken by the various states across the country as a form of punitive punishment against the accused person’s properties. 

Details of the present pleas before the bench:

The Supreme Court was hearing two urgent applications along with pleas filed by Jamiat and CPI (M) leader Brinda Karat, challenging recent demolition actions by authorities in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. These pleas have been moved by the victims, Rashid Khan from Rajasthan and Mohammad Hussain from Madhya Pradesh, whose homes were targeted. Senior Advocate CU Singh mentioned one of the applications earlier in the day, requesting it be heard alongside the ongoing Brinda Karat v. North Delhi Municipal Corporation & Ors, [W.P. (C) 294 of 2022] which challenges the 2022 demolition drive in Delhi’s Jahangirpuri.

One of the applications was filed by the Rashid Khan, a 60-years old auto-rickshaw driver from Udaipur. In Udaipur the District Administration demolished the house of Rashid as one of his tenant’s boy, allegedly stabbed his classmate. An order was issued by the district forest authority and Municipal Corporation on Friday, August 16, 2024 and gave the family time till Tuesday i.e. August 20 to vacate their home, but the authorities demolished the house a little later on August 17.

The other plea was filed by Mohammad Hussain from Madhya Pradesh who has also alleged that his house and shop were unlawfully bulldozed by the state administration. Both Khan and Hussain’s applications were filed in the context of a case previously submitted by Jamiat Ulama I Hind, which objected to the demolition of Muslim homes in Haryana’s Nuh following communal violence between Hindus and Muslims.

A detailed report can be read here

Can’t demolish house just because somebody is accused: SC

Notably, On September 2, 2024, the Division bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan strongly criticized the practice of  ‘bulldozer actions’ against the properties of persons accused of crimes as a punitive measure. The bench proposed the intention to lay down pan-India guideline with regards to the demolitions.

Justice Gavai while taking note on the petitioner’s concern with raising ‘bulldozer action’ taken by the various state government against accused’s property, questioned that “How can a house be demolished just because he is accused? It can’t be demolished even if he’s convict.” he also clarified that the Court won’t protect unauthorized constructions, he remarked that some guidelines are necessary.

Justice Vishwanathan also emphasized on the need for specific guidelines in relation to the demolition actions. He observed that “why can’t some guidelines be laid down? It should be put across states. This needs to be streamlined.”  He further added that “a father may have recalcitrant son, but if the house is demolished on this ground, this is not the way to go about it”,

Justice Gavai in furtherance of the observation made by Justice Vishwanathan, added that even if a construction is unauthorized, the demolition can be carried out with due procedure, reported Live Law.

During the hearing on September 2, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the State of Uttar Pradesh submitted that the State’s position is clear from its affidavit which stated that merely because a person is alleged to be part of an offence, it can’t be ground for demolition. “No immovable property can be demolished because owner/occupant is involved in offense,” the SG read from the affidavit.

SG Mehta also addressed the bench stating that in the incidents of alleged illegal demolition cited in the petition filed against the UP Government, notices for violations were sent to the persons, and since they did not respond, the unauthorised constructions were demolished following the process in the municipal laws. He also opposed the contention of the petitioner and submitted that the immovable properties can be demolished only in accordance with the procedure prescribed by law.

According to a report in Live Law, the bench said remarked that lets us try to resolve the issue on pan-India basis’ while adjourning the hearing for September 17, 2024. The bench also suggested that counsels for the parties should give their suggestions so that the Court can frame appropriate guidelines. Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave, who appeared for Jamiat Ulema-I-Hind, submitted that several houses of persons were demolished in Delhi’ Jahangirpuri area, just after the riots in April, 2022 on the allegation that they had instigated riots. Senior Advocate Chander Uday Singh also submitted that in Udaipur where a person’s house was demolished because the tenant’s son was accused of a crime.

The order dated September 2, 2024 may be read here:

 

SC criticized glorification, grandstanding of bulldozer action

During the hearing on September 17, 2024, while staying the arbitrary ‘bulldozer justice’ system practiced by various state governments as retaliation to accused’s property and establishments, the bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Vishwanathan flagged the glorification, grandstanding and justification of the demolition action. The bench while expressing its displeasure with ‘Bulldozer Justice” and its glorification, questioned it stating, “Now, whether this should happen in our country, Whether the Election Commission can be noticed so that some kind of a thing can be laid down?”

The bench also sought assistance from SG Tushar Mehta on the issue of glorification and grandstanding on demolition.  The bench said that “you will assist us on how to stop this. If necessary, we will ask the Election Commission also.”

Outside noise is not influencing us, illegal demolition against the ethos of the Constitution: SC

During the hearing a counsel appearing for the petitioners said that even after the Supreme Court’s September 2 order, demolitions were carried out in the country.

Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta while opposing the contention of the petitioner, submitted before the bench on September 17 that a ‘narrative’ was being built over the demolition of properties. He further said there was a petition before the apex court which alleged that because the person belonged to a particular religion, his property was demolished.

“Let them bring to your lordships’ notice one instance of demolition where the law is not complied (with),” SG Mehta added. He said that the affected parties have not approached the court because they know that they have received notices and their constructions were illegal. When SG Mehta argued about the narrative being built over the demolition action, the bench said, “Rest assured that outside noise is not influencing us.”

The bench said it will hear the matter on October 1, and till then no demolition shall be done without its leave.

When SG Mehra raised objections to the Court’s order while saying that the hands of authorities can’t be tied in this manner, Justice Gavai said that “heavens won’t fall” if the demolitions are stopped for two weeks.

Justice Gavai further stated that “Stay your hands. What will happen in 15 days?”

Justice Viswanathan, on the other hand while upholding the rule of law, stressed that, “Even if there is one instance of illegal demolition, it is against the ethos of Constitution”. Importantly, the bench observed that the executive “can’t be a judge”, it said the directives to be passed by the court after hearing the parties would apply pan-India.

The bench said it had made it clear on September 2 that the court will not protect any unauthorised construction on a public road or public place.

SG Mehta said while highlighting one of the matters, a footpath was encroached upon, and notices were issued before it was cleared. “For footpath, we will say not even a notice is needed. Demolish forthwith even if there is a religious structure of any religion,” the bench said.

The bench clarified that the order would not be applicable if there is an unauthorized structure in any public place such as road, street, footpath, abutting railway line or any river body or water bodies and also to cases where there is an order for demolition made by a Court of law.

The order dated September 17, 2024 may be read here:

The matter has been listed for the next hearing on October 1, 2024

Related:

Supreme Court rebukes “Bulldozer Justice,” plans to issue nationwide guidelines to prevent arbitrary demolitions

Supreme Court rebukes “Bulldozer Justice,” plans to issue nationwide guidelines to prevent arbitrary demolitions

As Delhi votes this week for the Lok Sabha 2024 election, those affected by demolitions and evictions lack trust in the parties

 

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“Bulldozer Injustice”: Authorities demolished huts and makeshifts in Kutch’s Kandla port area https://sabrangindia.in/bulldozer-injustice-authorities-demolished-huts-and-makeshifts-in-kutchs-kandla-port-area/ Fri, 06 Sep 2024 07:23:51 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=37678 These fishermen have been living here before the port was built, women, children and the elderly have been displaced, almost all belong to the Muslim community, officials cite domestic and national security threat as reason for demolition

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On September 5, within a single day, the Kandla port (also known as Deendayal port) administration has removed 50-year-old huts and makeshifts in Kutch’s Kandla Port area in Gujrat. The area declared as notified area of Kandla Port Trust’s land. The bulldozed huts and makeshifts were built by fishermen and were used to carry out fishing activities. The majority of the people living there belong to the Muslim community. Due to the demolition drive in this area, many have been rendered homeless in severe weather condition.

The mega demolition drive started on Thursday morning with the help of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), 550 Police personnel in the presence of port chairman Sushil Kumar Singh along with Kutch East SP Sagar Bagmar.

A few hundred fishermen have been living there and carrying out their operations from these temporary homes, said local sources. They added, “The livelihood of these fishermen is at stake. They will lose their source of income.”

Authority said national threat and security reason for demolition

Briefing the press about the demolition drive, Superintendent of Police (Kutch East), Sagar Bagmar said, “There were illegal encroachments on the Kandla Port land, which could pose a threat for domestic as well as national security. Considering this threat, illegal encroachments were removed from the Port Trust land.”

 

Demolition Drive unjust and inhumane

State Congress leader Haji Juma Raima termed the demolition drive by the Port Authority as unjust and a violation of human rights. Stating that this operation has displaced thousands of people without making alternative arrangements was unjust. He also cited the Gujarat government’s earlier promise that if they have to be removed, alternative arrangement should be made for their accommodation.

There is no information available on whether any alternative accommodation has been provided to the homeless and affected families.

Related:

Supreme Court rebukes “Bulldozer Justice,” plans to issue nationwide guidelines to prevent arbitrary demolitions

Supreme Court to hear urgent pleas against state-sanctioned bulldozer demolitions in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan

Acquiring land without due procedure would be outside the authority of law, Supreme Court lays down 7 Constitutional tests for land acquisition

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UP: Demolition drive goes awry, mother daughter burnt alive https://sabrangindia.in/demolition-drive-goes-awry-mother-daughter-burnt-alive/ Tue, 14 Feb 2023 06:28:04 +0000 http://localhost/sabrangv4/2023/02/14/demolition-drive-goes-awry-mother-daughter-burnt-alive/ While officers initially claimed that they set themselves on fire, a case of murder has now been filed against the SDM and two others

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WomenImage: Aaj Tak

A house demolition drive in UP went awry when allegedly one of the huts was set ablaze by the authorities resulting in the death of a mother and daughter, leaving their family distraught. A case of murder has been filed against the sub divisional magistrate, the station house officer and the bulldozer operator, reported NDTV.

In Madauli village in UP’s Kanpur Dehat, during an anti-encroachment drive, the police, district administration and revenue officials were present when this incident occurred and after the fire, they allegedly fled from the spot. Shivam Dixit, the son, who also recorded a video which has been uploaded on social media, claims that “They started the fire while people were still inside. We were just about able to escape. They broke our temple. Nobody did anything, not even the DM (District Magistrate). Everybody ran, nobody could save my mother.”

 

 

The police allegedly created a false narrative that the mother and daughter set themselves ablaze because their house was being demolished. However, other villagers and the kin of the deceased, including the son alleged that their hut was set ablaze when the authorities set off the bulldozer on the hut with the mother daughter still within, and a fire erupted. Superintendent of Police (SP) BBGTS Murthy told the media, “From what we are getting to know, a woman and her daughter locked themselves inside the hut and set it on fire which has resulted in their death. We have reached the spot. All the concerned officials are also here. We will investigate and if there is any wrongdoing, we won’t spare the guilty”. As per the officers, they had gone to remove encroachments from a “gram samaj” or government land.

Krishna Gopal Dixit, the father, said that when their house was ablaze, all the officers left. He also said that one Gaurav Dixit is hands in gloves with the Lekhpal and the SO. He further said it is possible that some false cases have been filed against them as well. He said somehow, he was able to escape from the fire and that the SP drove them away instead of listening to their plea.

 

 

The villagers refused to move the bodies of the mother-daughter, so they decided to sit on a dharna. As the situation escalated, a contingent of UP-PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) was deployed on the spot and compelled the Additional Director General of Police (Kanpur zone) Alok Singh, along with Divisional Commissioner Raj Shekhar to visit the village, where they assured strict action in this matter.

In another video, posted by Samajwadi Party’s media cell, Shivam, appears to be speaking to a media person. While sobbing, he blamed SDM, Lekhpal as well as the DM, Neha Jain, for the incident. He said they are all in cahoots with each other and conspired against them. He also named a few others, including Neha Jain, Ashok, Anil, Brijesh, Nirmal, Manish who set their hut on fire. He said as the hut caught fire, all the officers fled from the spot. He said we tried saving them from the blazing hut but we were unable to do so.

 

 

Related:

Jammu and Kashmir on Edge as Fear of ‘Eviction’ Haunts Residents

Disturbing images emerge from Srinagar as people protest the ongoing demolition drive

‘Forcibly Removed by Rampur Admin to Make Way for Hindu Vendors,’ Say Muslim Street Sellers

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