Days after Bahraich violence, PWD issues demolition notices

“If the illegal constructions are not removed within the stipulated period, the PWD, with the assistance of police and local administration, will carry out the removal, and the costs incurred will be charged to the owners,” the notices read.

Among those served with these notices is 62-year-old jeweller Abdul Hameed, who, along with his three sons and a neighbour, were arrested in connection with the death of 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra.

Police presence in Bahraich. (Express Photo)

Mishra was shot during the clashes on October 13.

In response to the notices, locals began relocating their belongings to safer places and dismantling tin shades they had set up outside their shops and homes. Heavy police presence remains in the Maharajganj area, where only a few shops have reopened.

The confrontation reportedly began on October 13 when members of the minority community requested that the DJ be turned off as the procession passed near their homes and a mosque in the predominantly Muslim town of Maharajganj. This led to a heated argument that escalated into clashes and stone-pelting between the two groups. The situation worsened when shots were allegedly fired, resulting in Mishra’s death.

A total of 14 FIRs have been lodged in connection with the violence. Many family members of those issued notices have been booked in the violence.

Scenes from Bahraich after the communal clashes. (Express Photo)

The Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court, which is hearing the petition challenging the demolition notice, stated in its October 20 order: “Leaving all the aspects of the matter open, what pricks the conscience of this court is the issuance of notices to submit the reply within a short span of three days. As to what number of houses situated on kilometre-38 of the Kundasar-Mahasi-Nanpara-Maharajganj district road have been duly authorised for construction is also not much evident from the notices, which may require clarity.”

It further gave three days to the chief standing counsel to obtain complete instructions.

“We further provide that in case they file their reply to the notice within a period of 15 days from today, the competent authority shall consider and decide the same by passing a speaking and reasoned order,” it added.

The court has fixed October 23 as next date for hearing.