Government Officials Attacked in Greater Noida Anti-Encroachment Effort

Officials from the Uttar Pradesh government faced a violent confrontation during an anti-encroachment drive in Greater Noida's Itehda village on Wednesday. The incident, which involved unauthorized occupants attacking the team from the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) and local police, has prompted an investigation. The clash resulted in injuries to both a villager and security personnel.

The GNIDA, accompanied by a significant police force, had embarked on the operation to clear illegal constructions in the village, falling under the Bisrakh police station's jurisdiction. According to Additional DCP Central Noida Hirdesh Katheriya, the team faced resistance from illegal colonists who resorted to stone-throwing. A complaint has been lodged by the accused, Mainpal among others, with ACP Central Noida-2 leading the investigation.

The land in question, Khasra Number 435, was acquired by the GNIDA around 15 years ago. While most farmers have been compensated, there are a few for whom compensation is yet to be claimed from the district administration. Despite receiving prior notices, some unauthorized occupants continued their construction activities on the 1.68-hectare plot.

The situation escalated when unauthorized occupants and their supporters attacked GNIDA's team as they began demolishing illegal structures. This confrontation led to injuries among the security personnel and one of the protestors. The incident has sparked outrage among local villagers, leading to a protest at the Bisrakh police station.

Rupesh Verma, president of the All India Kisan Sabha's local unit, reported that a member of their farmer association was injured during a police charge. They have demanded the registration of an FIR and action against those responsible for the violence.

In response to the incident, GNIDA's officer on special duty Himanshu Verma confirmed that an FIR has been registered at the Bisrakh Police Station. Additional CEO Annapurna Garg emphasized that construction on notified or acquired land without authorization is strictly prohibited and will be met with severe action.

This event underscores the challenges faced by authorities in enforcing land laws and regulations, highlighting the tensions between development authorities and local communities over land rights and usage.