Bahraich Violence: PWD Issues Demolition Notice To Accused (image-screenshot/twitter/Benarasiyaa)

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh on Friday issued demolition notices to the suspects in the Bahraich violence case asking them to remove illegal construction within three days and warning of action.

The Public Works Department (PWD) had pasted notices on the house of Abdul Hameed, the man accused in the Bahraich violence, and 22 others. Among those on whose houses the notices were pasted included Abdul Hameed, one of the five Muslim men accused of fomenting violence in Bahraich earlier this year that led to the killing of 22-year-old Gopal Mishra.

Read also: Ovais Sultan Khan Speaks Out Against ‘Government Agent, Traitor’ Allegations

As per the notice received by the residents, the encroachment has to be removed within 3 days, or will have to face the bulldozer action. The Block Development Officer (BDO), Mahsi, Hemant Kumar Yadav confirmed the notices were pasted on 23 houses.

Apart from the notices, heavy police force was deployed in the area and barricades were also installed. “We have been asked to be prepared for action. Three days were given to the encroachers and the action would take place probably on Sunday or Monday as per the instruction,” he said.

The notice has caused alarm among the people in the area.

The new order has come almost a month after the Supreme Court has imposed a nationwide restraint on demolition activities. As per the ruling passed no demolition, including of those accused or convicted of crime, should occur without the court’s explicit permission, expressing concerns over the indiscriminate demolition actions and highlighting the need for judicial oversight. However, the court has noted that the restraining order will not apply to encroachments on public roads, footpaths, railway lines or water bodies.

Read also: Delhi Air Quality Drops To 344, Thick Layer Of Smog Engulfs City

The recent encounter in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh had sparked a heated debate between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition.

The violence erupted in the city when Ram Gopal Mishra was shot dead and four others were injured during the Durga Puja idol immersion. Those arrested in the Bahraich case include Mohammad Faheem, Mohammad Sarfaraz, and Abdul Hameed, who are named as accused in the FIR, and two others, Mohammad Taleem alias Sabloo and Mohammad Afzal.