Pilibhit house demolition follows arrest in child sexual assault case, officials cite illegal construction

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit district demolished a man’s house, saying it was illegally built on government land, after his arrest in a child sexual assault case. Police said he was booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act, and an objectionable video was seized. Local protests prompted added police outreach.

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit district demolished a house linked to Mohammad Umar on Wednesday. Police arrested the 66-year-old for allegedly holding a nine-year-old captive. Officials said the child was raped over two days. The administration said the structure stood on government land and was illegal.

The demolition took place in the evening using a bulldozer, officials said. A revenue and administrative team reached Umar’s village during heavy police deployment. District Magistrate DM Gyanendra Singh said the action followed the government’s stated policy. The drive came amid local anger after the case surfaced.

Pilibhit demolition and bulldozer action after child rape case

Before the action, UP minister Sanjay Singh Gangwar said the accused would certainly face bulldozer action. Gangwar also said that if such deeds were repeated, such stringent legal action would be taken that these people would be seen in Pakistan. Gangwar earlier said an example would be set that his next seven generations would remember it.

Police said the girl, a Class 4 student, went missing on June 14. Police rescued the child on Tuesday June 16 from Umar’s house. Police described Umar as a widower and unemployed. Police said Umar’s wife died from illness years ago, and one son died a month ago.

POCSO case in Pilibhit and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita charges

Superintendent of Police SP Sukirti Madhav Mishra said Umar has been booked under the relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences POCSO Act. Police also said an objectionable video linked to the crime was seized. The survivor is undergoing a medical examination.

"We will soon submit a chargesheet and ensure a fast-track trial to secure the strictest possible punishment for the accused,\" the officer said. Police said the child told the family about the ordeal after being rescued. After that, members of Hanuman Dal surrounded the area and demanded an encounter or capital punishment.

Pilibhit political reactions and calls for fast-track trial

Senior police officers intervened during the protest, officials said. Police persuaded the group by promising strict action against Umar. Gangwar also targeted Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Gangwar urged Akhilesh Yadav to restrain party workers and educate them to deter such acts.

Samajwadi Party district president Jagdev Singh called the case heart-rending and a blot on society. Jagdev Singh said no words were enough to denounce such a heinous crime. Jagdev Singh demanded a fast-track court trial and the harshest punishment. \"Criminals have no religion, caste or community,\" he said.

Jagdev Singh also criticised attempts to politicise the incident. Jagdev Singh said blaming a whole religion, caste, or community harms harmony. \"Holding an entire religion, caste or community responsible for an individuals crime is not only wrong but also harmful to social harmony and brotherhood. A criminal is identified by their crime, not by their religion or caste,\" Singh said.

Pilibhit victim support, adoption, and financial help

DM Gyanendra Singh said the administration helped the victim’s family due to poor finances. Singh said the administration adopted the victim. Singh also said officials would seek substantial financial assistance for the girl from the chief minister. Police said the father works at a local market shop and the child has three siblings.

Officials said the demolition ended on Wednesday evening after the illegal structure was removed. Police continued legal action under BNS and POCSO, and said the medical process was underway. The administration said it extended support to the family and would pursue further assistance. Police said a chargesheet and fast-track trial were planned.

With inputs from PTI