Tension rises in the area as Varanasi Development Authority teams reached the area with bulldozers and police; Muslim women said they were being singled out, while officials claimed they faced obstruction
NEW DELHI — Tension gripped Dal Mandi in Varanasi on Tuesday when teams from the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) arrived with bulldozers to pull down what they claimed was unlawful construction in the Kazipura Kala ward. The move prompted strong resistance from local Muslim women, who accused officials of acting “without notice” and “targeting Muslim homes and businesses”.
Shops in the Dal Mandi market remained open on Wednesday, but residents said fear still hung over the area. Many Muslim families described the action as sudden and heavy-handed.
Eyewitnesses said officials began preparing the demolition while families were still inside the building. One of the local women, Shakeela Begum, said, “They came without warning. We asked them to show papers, but they pushed ahead with the bulldozer. We only wanted them to follow the law.”
Another resident, Abdul Rahman, said, “Our people are being treated unfairly. If there is a rule, let them apply it to everyone, not only Muslim areas.”
During the operation, a scuffle broke out between Muslim women and officials from the Public Works Department. Residents said women tried to stand in front of the bulldozer to stop the demolition.
One woman told reporters, “We stood there only to save our homes. We did not harm anyone. We just begged them to hear us.”
However, VDA staff claimed they faced obstruction. Zonal Officer Surbhav Dev later ordered police action, and Chowk police station registered an FIR against several people, some of whom officials say are yet to be identified.
The VDA rejected the allegation that the action was selective. In a statement, it said, “Illegal construction will not be allowed. Government work cannot be stopped.” Officials said their teams would continue such operations wherever needed.
A senior VDA officer added, “We appeal to all citizens to cooperate. Those who try to stop government work will face legal action.”
Local residents, however, insisted that they had repeatedly requested the VDA to review the building documents. A shopkeeper, Mohsin Ali, said, “If something is wrong, we will fix it. But breaking our places without hearing us is not justice.”
Another elderly man said, “We are poor people. Where will our women and children go? This should not happen without a proper process.”
Many residents fear that such actions in Muslim-dominated areas create a feeling of pressure and insecurity. Several women said the manner in which officials arrived with police and bulldozers made them feel they were being “treated like criminals”.
Local social worker Farzana Khan said, “People only asked for fairness. Instead, an FIR was filed against them. This is upsetting for the whole community.”
Officials have said they will continue demolition drives wherever they find construction they consider unlawful. They added that no resistance would be allowed. A VDA spokesperson said, “We will take all steps needed to stop unlawful construction. Anyone who blocks government work will face action.”
Muslim residents said they will cooperate with the administration but want clear communication, proper notice, and a fair hearing.
As one woman summed it up: “We are not against the law. We only want the law to treat us with respect.”
