Drive against ‘encroachments’ intensifies in the violence-hit city of Uttar Pradesh
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – In clear violation and utter disregard of the Supreme Court directive against the arbitrary use of “bulldozer justice” to demolish homes and other properties, the district administration in Uttar Pradesh’s violence-hit city of Sambhal has intensified its drive against “encroachments” and cleared the Pap Mochan Tirtha area on Saturday in a concerted operation involving multiple departments.
By unleashing the marauding bulldozers on homes and businesses, the administration seeks to reclaim and preserve the region’s historical and cultural heritage.
On November 13, the Supreme Court bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan observed that states which metamorphose into judges to punish accused persons awaiting trial by driving bulldozers into their homes indulge in a naked display of “might is right” without sparing a thought for families rendered shelterless and destitute overnight.
“The chilling sight of a bulldozer demolishing a building, when authorities have failed to follow the basic principles of natural justice and have acted without adhering to the principle of due process, reminds one of a lawless state of affairs, where might was right,” the bench observed.
On Saturday, the narrow lanes of Sambhal echoed with the rumble of heavy machinery. The scene was striking — a mix of dust clouds as the distraught residents watched their homes and businesses crumble under the relentless power of the state’s machinery, reports reaching here said.
The operation, spearheaded by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra, targeted “encroachments” at the Pap Mochan Tirtha and Holika Dahan Sthal located in Tiwari Sarai on Bahjoi Road under the jurisdiction of Sadar Kotwali. Along with municipal and revenue officials, the team utilised heavy machinery, including JCBs, to remove unauthorised structures, media reports said.
Several ‘illegal’ shops and makeshift structures that had mushroomed around the said sites were demolished during the action. The municipality team played a crucial role in clearing the area, ensuring that encroachments do not hinder the sanctity and accessibility of these Hindu religious landmarks, reports said.
The aggressive crackdown came despite the apex court emphasising the need for proper procedures and due process, cautioning against arbitrary demolitions. But, the administration in Sambhal appeared undeterred, citing a mandate to reclaim government land and ensure public order.
Commenting on the operation, SDM Vandana Mishra stated: “Encroachments on the Holika Dahan site behind this pilgrimage area have been removed. Strict legal action will follow against those who have illegally occupied these lands.”
The DM also underlined the importance of protecting the district’s heritage through sustained and decisive measures.
The administration has emphasised that reclaiming religious and historical sites from encroachment is crucial for preserving the spiritual and cultural identity of the region. – With inputs from IANS
