House of UP farmer who ‘raped, killed’ minor girl razed; Banda admin says built ‘illegally on govt land’

On Tuesday afternoon, a team comprising police and district administration officials arrived at the accused’s 3,000-sqft home in Banda. Finding the home locked, with no family members present, the team broke the lock on the main door and entered.

Before the demolition began, the team cordoned off the area to ensure safety. All household items — furniture, utensils, documents, and personal belongings — were carefully removed and transported to a secure location. Bulldozers then moved in and demolished the house.

“All legal steps were taken before demolishing the house. The house was built on gram sabha land,” said Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Banda, Ankit Verma. Officials said notices were issued to the family before the action.

On June 3, the 32-year-old accused lured the minor girl to his house, promising her chocolate, and allegedly raped her. Fearing she would be able to identify him, he also physically assaulted her.

Believing she was dead after the assault, the accused wrapped the body in a large plastic bag. According to a police officer, he carried the bag to a nearby jungle patch, under the cover of darkness, and dumped it.

When the child did not return home, her frantic parents, along with neighbours and relatives, began searching for her. Guided by local villagers who had noticed suspicious activity near the thickets, they found the bag. The girl was still alive, but unconscious.

They rushed her to the district hospital, but she died 10 days later from her injuries despite intensive treatment.

Acting on a tip, police set a trap for the accused. On June 4, they arrested him after a shootout where he sustained a bullet injury to his leg.

The accused lived in the now-demolished house with his wife and children. His parents and younger brother, who live in another state, visited frequently.

Following the crime, the district administration launched a separate revenue inquiry while the criminal investigation was underway. Officials said a review of revenue records confirmed that the accused’s two-room brick house was built on gram sabha land.

Based on this finding, official notices were issued to the accused’s family. The notice was posted on the front door of the house and served to the family members. No written response or documentary evidence was provided to challenge the claim, said an official.

He added that recently, an order was issued directing the removal of the encroachment. When the family failed to comply with the directive, a joint task force comprising revenue and police officials was formed to enforce the order.