by Ajay Kumar
Lucknow: Following the unrest in the Maharajganj area of Bahraich, the Yogi government is now preparing to take action against illegal encroachments using bulldozers. Encroachments have already been identified, and teams from the Revenue and Public Works Departments have arrived on-site for investigation. However, officials are currently refraining from commenting on the issue. It is expected that around 30-40 houses, including those of the main accused in the violence, may fall under the demolition action aimed at removing illegal encroachments.
A few days ago, campaigns against illegal encroachments were conducted at various intersections in Mahsi following complaints from villagers. In the Maharajganj town, encroachments along the roadside have been marked for removal. After the unrest during the idol immersion procession, there are indications that the campaign in the town may resume. While responsible officials are hesitant to speak, it is believed that an operation against encroachments will certainly take place, and the residences of those accused in the violence will likely be included in the action.
Regarding the removal of encroachments, SDM Akhilesh Kumar Singh mentioned that there are auto parts shops and similar establishments where shopkeepers encroach upon public space. Villagers have lodged fresh complaints about encroachments, and an investigation is underway. Further action will be determined based on directives from higher authorities.
Villagers claim that shopkeepers in Maharajganj have set up tin sheds, narrowing the pathways. According to Public Works Department standards, there is hardly any road left. This has caused difficulties in movement, especially during processions and other events. The unrest in Maharajganj is also being attributed to these encroachments.
Yogi Upset Over Deteriorating Situation in the State; Several Officials to be Dismissed
Due to the continuously worsening situation in the state after the Lok Sabha elections and the police administration’s failure to control it, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is reportedly very upset with the bureaucracy and police administration. The main reason for Yogi’s displeasure is his belief that the incidents of communal disharmony during the immersion of Durga idols in Bahraich could have been prevented through prompt action, as they were caused by the negligence of several officials in multiple districts. In response to this, DGP Prashant Kumar has instructed the respective ADGs of the zones to quickly submit reports regarding the incidents that occurred in Bahraich and more than half a dozen other districts. According to sources, all three ADGs have submitted their reports.
Sources indicate that after the suspension of CO Mahsi Rupendra Kumar Gaud in Bahraich, other officials are also under investigation. Similarly, reports from incidents in Kaushambi, Deoria, Kushinagar, Gonda, Balrampur, and others are being thoroughly studied to identify negligent police personnel. It is noteworthy that following the outbreak of communal violence in Bahraich, ADG Gorakhpur Zone K.S. Pratap Kumar and IG Range Devi Patan Amarendra Pratap Singh were sent there. However, when the situation did not come under control, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dispatched ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash to Bahraich, after which control over the rioters was established.
Most importantly, the majority of the incidents occurred in the Gorakhpur zone, which is considered Yogi’s political stronghold, resulting in several officials coming under investigation. Similarly, in Kaushambi, ADG Prayagraj Zone Bhanu Bhaskar had to go to the scene to take charge. Following the sudden disturbances in several districts, the DGP has instructed all districts to exercise extra vigilance and has also advised closely monitoring social media.
