Lucknow Anti-Encroachment Drive: Residents Clash with Police, Hurl Stones

In Lucknows Akbar Nagar, an anti-encroachment drive faced resistance from residents who clashed with police and administration officials. The incident occurred during the demolition of illegal structures, leading to stone-pelting and tense moments.

On Sunday, residents of Lucknow's Akbar Nagar clashed with police and administration officials during an anti-encroachment drive in the locality. The incident occurred when a team from the Lucknow Development Authority and the administration, accompanied by the police, was demolishing illegal structures along the Faizabad Road.

Structures Demolished Despite Court Dismissal

Three commercial establishments were being demolished after the high court dismissed writs filed by the residents. While two structures were successfully demolished, locals, fueled by rumors, began pelting stones at the administration officials and police during the demolition of the third structure, according to Lucknow Development Authority Vice-Chairman Indramani Tripathi.

No Injuries Reported

Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident. Tripathi stated that some locals claimed their structures were damaged by debris from the demolished buildings. As a result, seven people were allotted houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The situation is currently under control.

Legal Battle Over Encroachment

Approximately 74 BPL card holders of Akbar Nagar had filed a writ petition in the high court, seeking a stay on the development authority's demolition drive. The drive was carried out as the slum allegedly encroached upon government land. There are around 1,400 houses in the slum.

High Court's Directive

Tripathi clarified that the drive is focused on demolishing commercial establishments and not residential ones, as per the high court's directive. Last week, the Allahabad High Court directed all residents to vacate the disputed premises on or before March 31.

Rumor Leads to Stone-Pelting

Joint Police Commissioner Upendra Agarwal revealed that a rumor spread during the demolition drive, claiming that someone had become trapped under the debris. This led to some individuals pelting stones at the authorities. However, the situation was swiftly brought under control, and no FIR has been registered in connection with the incident.

Political Reactions

The incident drew criticism from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who labeled it as the BJP's "Awas Vinash Yojna" (housing destruction plan). He expressed empathy for the affected families and highlighted the pain they were experiencing due to the demolitions.

The clash between residents and authorities in Lucknow's Akbar Nagar during an anti-encroachment drive underscores the complexities surrounding land disputes and the challenges faced by both residents and the government in addressing illegal constructions.