Lucknow: The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court has intervened in the ongoing bulldozer action by halting the demolition process in Bahraich, providing temporary relief to affected shop owners. The court has granted 15 days for the victims to respond to the notices issued by the Public Works Department (PWD), sparking hope among those targeted. Simultaneously, the court has demanded clarification from the PWD regarding the nature of the road in question, specifically whether it is classified as rural, urban, or a highway.
Legal Battle Moves to the Supreme Court
In a parallel development, relatives of three accused in the Bahraich violence have approached the Supreme Court, seeking an immediate stay on the PWD’s bulldozer action. Among the petitioners is the daughter of Abdul Hameed, the prime accused in the Bahraich violence case. The petition argues that the use of bulldozers to demolish properties is unjust and seeks relief from further demolitions.
Shops Targeted: Majority Belong to Muslims
The controversy began when the PWD issued demolition notices to 23 shops in Maharajganj, Bahraich, claiming encroachment on government land. Of the affected shops, 20 are owned by Muslims, while three belong to Hindus. The PWD’s notice, posted on the storefronts, asserts that these shops violate departmental standards, as they are located within 60 feet from the center of the Kundasar-Mahsi-Nanapar district road. Any construction within this range, without permission, is deemed illegal. The notice further warned shop owners to remove the encroachments within three days or face bulldozer action.
Fearing Demolition, Shop Owners Act Swiftly
Even though the High Court has put the brakes on bulldozer operations for now, the fear among shop owners remains palpable. Some have already begun dismantling their own establishments, hoping to salvage materials such as bricks and iron rods before the demolitions reduce their shops to rubble. “We don’t want to lose everything. At least this way, we can recover something,” said one of the affected shopkeepers, expressing the prevailing anxiety in the community.
Tensions Rise as Security Tightens Following Bahraich Violence
Amid this tense backdrop, security has been ramped up outside the home of Ram Gopal, a victim of the Bahraich violence. Gopal’s father, Kailash, has openly voiced his frustration with the slow pace of justice, even threatening to take his own life if the perpetrators are not brought to justice. “The government has helped us, but my son’s killers are still alive. Where is justice?” he asked in an emotional appeal to the media. Kailash’s grief reflects the deep wounds left by the violence.
89 Arrests in Bahraich Violence: Political Leaders Weigh In
The aftermath of the Bahraich violence continues to unfold, with 89 individuals arrested so far. All have been presented in court and are currently in police custody. Meanwhile, Ayodhya MP Awadhesh Prasad has criticized the Yogi Adityanath government’s bulldozer strategy, calling it a departure from lawful procedures. “There is a death penalty in the law, but not the bulldozer. Yogi Baba is trying to enforce a different law in the state,” Prasad remarked, echoing concerns from various quarters about the legality and morality of the bulldozer actions.
A Controversial Strategy: Bulldozer Politics in Focus
The use of bulldozers as a punitive measure has been a contentious issue in Uttar Pradesh, often viewed as a symbol of the Yogi government’s strong-arm tactics against alleged wrongdoers. Critics argue that it bypasses due process and disproportionately affects marginalized communities. As the debate intensifies, the Bahraich case is poised to become a flashpoint in the larger conversation about justice, governance, and the rule of law in the state.
With the High Court’s temporary stay, the focus now shifts to the PWD’s response and the outcome of the Supreme Court petition, which could set a precedent for future cases involving property demolitions linked to violence.
