FIR lodged against former Maharajganj DM, other officials over 2019 house demolition
Officials booked in the case include then Maharajganj DM Amarnath Upadhyay as well as engineers and police personnel.
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Apart from the DM, the persons named included an Additional DM, Additional SP, engineers, private contractors, inspectors, and sub-inspectors. (Express file photo)The UP Police registered an FIR against several officials in connection with the demolition of a house in Maharajganj district in 2019, allegedly without prior notice, for the purpose of road widening. Officials booked in the case include then Maharajganj DM Amarnath Upadhyay as well as engineers and police personnel.
This comes over a month after the Supreme Court criticised the “high-handed” approach of UP authorities in demolishing the house. In its directions on November 6, the SC told authorities to pay Rs 25 lakh compensation to the house owner. The court had also directed UP’s Chief Secretary to conduct an inquiry against officers and contractors responsible for the demolitions and to initiate disciplinary action against them.
According to police, complainant Manoj Tibrewal Akash alleged that then DM of Maharajganj, Amarnath Upadhyay, acted with malicious intent and, as part of a larger conspiracy, demolished his house and shop on September 13, 2019, without issuing any notice or providing compensation.
Akash alleged that the action was taken in retaliation against a complaint he had filed earlier, highlighting irregularities in the construction of a 21-km stretch of NH-730, police said.
The case was lodged at the Kotwali police station in Maharajganj Monday evening against 26 named and several unidentified persons. Apart from the DM, the persons named included an Additional DM, Additional SP, engineers, private contractors, inspectors, and sub-inspectors.
Maharajganj SP Somendra Meena said no arrests have been made so far. He also said the investigation would be transferred to the UP Police’s Crime Branch, as directed by the court. The then DM Upadhyay is currently posted as Special Secretary in the UP Empowerment of Persons With Disabilities Department.
Akash, said, “The Supreme Court on November 6 directed an inquiry and disciplinary action against officials within a month. When the government failed to take action, I sent an email to Chief Secretary stating I would file a contempt plea. On Monday evening, the case was filed. I will wait for action and if no action is taken in 90 days, I will move the SC to transfer the probe to CBI.”
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