On December 29, a mob of 150-200 illegal Bangladeshi settlers launched an attack on municipal workers during an anti-encroachment operation in the Indira Nagar area of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The team, headed by municipal supervisor Minakshi, was assaulted by the group armed with sticks. The attackers chased the officials away, resulting in several injuries among the workers.
नगर निगम कर्मचारियों के साथ मारपीट करने वाले बांग्लादेशियों पर कड़ी कार्यवाही की जाएगी।
उन्हें किसी भी सूरत में बक्शा नहीं जाएगा। pic.twitter.com/X41rbrlBUz— Sushma Kharkwal (@Sushma_Kharkwal) December 29, 2024
According to reports, the mob also stole personal belongings from the staff, including a gold chain and mobile phones. The incident further heightened tensions in the area, prompting authorities to launch a demolition drive. During the operation, at least 50 illegal shanties belonging to the Bangladeshi settlers were removed. A case has since been filed against the assailants at the Indira Nagar Police Station.
The incident began around morning when a team of municipal workers arrived in Zone 7, near the ‘Ghode Wale Mandir,’ to remove illegal handcarts. Complaints had been raised about illegal Bangladeshi settlers in the area who were involved in unauthorised waste collection, contributing to unsanitary conditions. During the anti-encroachment drive, several individuals resisted the action. Reports indicate that a woman at the scene called for reinforcements, and within minutes, a mob of 150-200 illegal Bangladeshi settlers appeared, armed with sticks, and launched an attack on the municipal team.
The mob assaulted Supervisor Minakshi, tearing her clothes and ripping a gold chain from her neck. They also snatched the mobile phones of municipal workers Shiv Balak and Deep Bhushan. The attackers vandalised vehicles, and the driver of Inspector Vijeta Dwivedi was dragged and beaten. The municipal workers managed to narrowly escape and immediately informed senior officials about the incident.
Mayor Sushma Kharkwal quickly took action, visiting the site along with Joint Commissioner of Police Amit Verma and BJP MLA O.P. Srivastava. Upon noticing that the shanties had electricity connections, Kharkwal summoned officials from the electricity department. She criticized the local electricity authorities for allowing illegal power connections in the area. As a result, the electricity connections were promptly cut off.
जोन -7 के अन्तर्गत इन्द्राप्रियदर्शनी वार्ड में अवैध रूप से ठेलिया के कारोबार करने वाले बांगलादेशियों द्वारा नगर निगम कर्मचारियों के साथ मारपीट की सूचना मिलने पर तुरंत मौके पर पहुंचकर स्थिति का जायजा लिया।
मौके पर उपस्थित नगर निगम कर्मचारियों और पुलिस अधिकारियों से विस्तृत… pic.twitter.com/85VKDHveZK
— Sushma Kharkwal (@Sushma_Kharkwal) December 29, 2024
Kharkwal stated, “These Bangladeshi squatters have not only attacked municipal staff but are also involved in criminal activities. How are they receiving electricity connections? This negligence must be dealt with immediately.” She further instructed officials to demolish the illegal structures built by the Bangladeshis in the area.
Speaking to the media, Amit Verma, JCP Law and Order of Lucknow, stated, “The Municipal Corporation team was conducting a drive when some individuals attacked them. An FIR has been filed by the Municipal Corporation. The police will take swift action in this matter, and strict measures will be taken against those found guilty.”
#WATCH | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: JCP Law and Order of Lucknow, Amit Verma says, "The Municipal Corporation team was carrying out a campaign during which some people attacked their team. An FIR has been registered by the Municipal Corporation. The police will take action in this… pic.twitter.com/kDY153ix0F
— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2024
By afternoon, the municipal team, accompanied by a heavy police presence, arrived in the Indira Nagar area and demolished around 50 illegal shanties. Residents were seen packing up their belongings and relocating to other areas. With the police ensuring security, the demolition proceeded smoothly and without resistance.
आतंकियों ये “बांग्लादेश” नहीं… लखनऊ नगर निगम है।
नगर निगम कर्मचारियों पर "हमला" करने वाले बंग्लादेशियों की अवैध झुग्गियों पर चला बुलडोजर । pic.twitter.com/QC7EtJ1Zcx
— Sushma Kharkwal (@Sushma_Kharkwal) December 29, 2024
Following the attack on municipal staff and workers, a formal complaint was filed at the Indira Nagar Police Station by municipal officer Kuldeepak Singh. An FIR has been registered under several sections, including 191(2), 191(3), 121(1), 132, 115(2), 309(6), 324(4), 351(2), 131, 74, and 109 of the Bharatiya Nayay Sanhita (BNS), as well as Section 7 of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 1932.
Off late, the Uttar Pradesh government has been intensifying its efforts to crack down on illegal settlements across the state. Authorities have been taking stringent action against encroachments, particularly those involving illegal Bangladeshi settlers, with a focus on removing illegal structures, disconnecting unauthorised power supplies, and ensuring law and order is maintained in affected areas.
