The mob pelted stones at the police and the LDA after rumors spread that some people were trapped under the debris (image source: ABP News)
In the aftermath of the demolition of unauthorised buildings in Lucknow, an FIR has been filed against seven individuals, including Habidul, Arshad Warsi, Mohd. Naushad, Fazal Ahmed, Mohammad Saif Khan, Adil Istiaq, and Rehan Ali, along with hundreds of others. This action comes in the wake of the chaos that ensued on March 10th, following rumours of individuals being trapped under the debris of a demolished structure.
The removal of unauthorised buildings triggered unrest in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, as speculations circulated about people being buried beneath the wreckage. As tensions escalated, locals began hurling stones, forcing police and Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) personnel to retreat for their safety.
Late in the night, an FIR was registered at the Mahanagar Kotwali under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 147 (rioting), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 336 (endangering life or personal safety of others), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), and 427 (mischief causing damage). Additionally, sections 2 and 3 of the Public Property Act and section 7 of the Criminal Law Act were invoked.
The demolition drive carried out in accordance with directives from the High Court, saw authorities equipped with Poclains and JCBs converging on Akbarnagar to dismantle illegal structures. However, during the demolition process, one of the buildings collapsed unexpectedly, amplifying rumours of trapped individuals.
Despite assurances from the administration that the structure was vacated prior to demolition, locals refused to believe that no one was under the debris. This disbelief fueled agitation, with enraged crowds pelting stones at officials and chasing them away from the site.
In the midst of the chaos, the collapsed building’s debris struck another dwelling, further aggravating the situation. Demonstrators accused the Lucknow Development Authority team of negligence, holding them responsible for the accident.
The FIR was lodged by Sanjeev Kumar of the LDA, and authorities have pledged to provide homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to the seven families whose houses were damaged during the demolition drive.
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