The district administration in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly has demolished at least nine houses belonging to people allegedly involved in a clash during the Muharram procession.
On July 19, violence erupted in Bareilly after members of one community allegedly pelted stones at another community. A young man named Tejwas died after being beaten during the clash.
Following the violence, the district administration identified 16 illegal constructions, including a religious place. Of these, bulldozer action was initiated against the house of the main accused and eight others. The house of the key accused, Bakhtawar, has been completely destroyed.
Officials have also marked other residential properties belonging to Babu, Hasan Ali, Kader Ali, Hanif, Haseen, and Riyasat as encroachments, and bulldozer action is expected to continue.
According to villagers, about 80-100 people reached the Gausganj area on the night of July 19, started pelting stones, entered houses, vandalised them, and beat up the villagers. They alleged that Tejpal was dragged from his house to the mosque and beaten there, resulting in his death. His family stated that the 26-year-old man was trying to calm the situation.
The incident has led to widespread anger among the villagers, who have demanded strict action against the perpetrators. The police have arrested 35 people in connection with the case and have announced rewards for information on two of the accused.
Speaking to India Today, senior police officer Anurag Arya added that raids are being conducted at the homes of the accused to search for illegal weapons and other contraband.