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Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh), October 5:
In a sweeping enforcement operation, municipal and district authorities in Bareilly on Saturday launched demolition and sealing actions targeting properties tied to recent unrest. Among the structures affected were a marriage hall known as ‘Raja Palace’, owned by Dr. Nafees Ahmed, and a residential premises alleged to have sheltered religious leader Tauqeer Raza. The move is seen by many as part of the state’s intensified effort to restore order and ensure compliance with building norms.
What Unfolded During the Drive
- Raja Palace demolition: The iconic structure, believed to be linked to political and unrest-related accusations, was razed by bulldozers under supervision of the Bareilly Development Authority.
- House sealing: In a coordinated move, a house in Faiq Enclave allegedly used as a hideout during the clashes was sealed off.
- Shops and extensions removed: Several shops and unauthorized extensions of buildings in areas such as Sailani were also dismantled in the operation.
- Enforcement justification: Authorities claim all targeted properties violated building regulations or were constructed without proper approvals.
Context: Violence, Protests, and Aftermath
These actions come in the wake of heightened tensions following communal unrest in Bareilly. The unrest was triggered in late September after protests involving displays of the slogan “I Love Muhammad” sparked clashes, property damage, and demands from residents for accountability.
Tauqeer Raza, the religious leader at the center of the controversy, has been arrested in connection with the violence. His associates, including Dr. Ahmed, have faced scrutiny from law enforcement agencies. In addition to demolition actions, 83 arrests have been made, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the incidents.
Debate: Rule of Law vs. Executive Overreach
While government officials insist the demotions are purely enforcement of urban norms, critics see them as politically charged measures that sidestep due process:
- Legal experts warn that punitive demolitions raise serious constitutional concerns, particularly the fundamental Right to Shelter under Article 21.
- Supreme Court precedents stipulated that demolitions cannot be carried out without prior notice, hearing, and due order.
- Opposition voices argue that the state appears to be acting as judge, jury, and executioner by targeting properties of those accused of unrest—potentially setting a dangerous precedent.
Voices & Responses
An SP (Samajwadi Party) delegation, including MPs, was reportedly blocked from entering Bareilly to meet with affected families. They decried the move, accusing the government of suppressing political dissent. Meanwhile, district officials maintain the demolitions were purely administrative actions guided by legal orders and municipal oversight.
Residents in the areas targeted spoke of being taken by surprise—some claimed they had not been given sufficient notice, while others questioned whether all regulatory steps had been followed.
What’s Next to Watch
- The SIT’s findings and whether it reveals coordination between property owners and those accused in the unrest
- Judicial intervention: It’s possible that affected parties may seek emergency relief in court, challenging the validity of the demolitions and sealing
- Compensation or rehabilitation: Whether the government offers remedies or relocation to the affected households
- Further drives: Officials have suggested the demolition drive is ongoing, so more properties linked to the clashes may face action
Parting Thoughts :
Bareilly’s latest demolition sweep centered around the razing of Raja Palace and the sealing of a Raza-linked house lays bare the tightrope the state walks between enforcement and overreach. While the administration frames it as restoring civic order and penalizing illegal structures, the contested legality and political optics of these moves may well spark prolonged legal and social debates.
