Varanasi: The Public Works Department (PWD) and district administration on May 11 launched a massive demolition drive against properties associated with a Waqf Board-run ‘Musafir Khana’ in the densely populated Dalmandi area.
The operation, aimed at reclaiming encroached land or addressing unauthorised structures (depending on specific municipal mandates), has transformed the historic commercial hub into a high-security zone. Over 300 personnel have been mobilised to maintain order.
According to ACP Dashashwamedh, the scale of the deployment reflects the sensitivity of the area. The security apparatus currently on-site includes: paramilitary forces, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), local police units and district administration officials.
“We have ensured a multi-layered security cover to prevent any law and order disruptions during the PWD’s enforcement action. The situation remains under control as the identified structures are being cleared,” a senior official noted.
The operation, which has been ongoing for two days, saw a heavy deployment of over 300 personnel, including officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), district administration, paramilitary forces, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and the local police. Dashashwamedh ACP Atul Anjan Tripathi stated that the action follows the completion of all necessary legal procedures by the concerned departments.
“This is a Waqf property, Musafir Khana, on which demolition work is underway. The relevant department has completed the legal process, and after giving sufficient time, the demolition action has been initiated today,” ACP Tripathi told reporters. The official further emphasised that high-level security measures have been put in place to prevent any untoward incidents.
“Adequate force has been deployed. Barricading has been done to restrict people’s movement… Surveillance is also being maintained through drones,” the ACP added. PWD Executive Engineer KK Singh confirmed that the occupants were given ample notice before the bulldozers moved in.
“Appropriate time was given for this, and today the demolition action is underway… This action has been continuously going on for two days,” Singh said.
(With inputs from ANI)
