The Ujjain district administration on Wednesday razed purported illegal constructions at houses of three people in an action against them for allegedly spitting water on devotees who were part of the ‘Baba Mahakal Sawari’ religious procession, the police said. Around 10 am, a large police team arrived at the homes of the accused, flanked by two men beating drums, on allegations by the local administration that their houses were constructed illegally. Additional Superintendent of Police Akash Bhuriya said Revenue and Municipal authorities had made a list of illegal constructions of the accused persons, following which the action was taken. “Some individuals tried to disturb religious harmony during a recent religious programme in Ujjain. The police registered an FIR under various Sections, leading to their subsequent detention. We then informed the Municipal Corporation and the Revenue Department about the accused.” Today, he said, the “illegal encroachments were removed”. Asked why the police turned up with the drummers, he said, “It is in the rules to bring drummers and announce in public that illegal construction is being removed. We followed these rules.” Police registered a case against the three, who belong to another community, after a video emerged online, showing some people purportedly spitting water on a religious procession in Ujjain, sparking protests. Police subsequently registered an FIR. Two of the accused are said to be minors.
