New Delhi: Tension rose in Dal Mandi in Varanasi when Varanasi Development Authority teams arrived with bulldozers to remove what they described as unlawful construction in the Kazipura Kala ward. Muslim families said the action came without notice and claimed the authorities targeted their homes and shops. Shops opened the next day, although residents said fear remained in the area.
Local women said officials began preparing the demolition while families were still inside. Shakeela Begum said officials ignored repeated requests to show documents. She said residents only asked the authorities to follow proper procedure. Abdul Rahman, another resident, said rules must apply equally to all neighbourhoods.
During the operation, a scuffle broke out between Muslim women and Public Works Department officials. Residents said women stood in front of the bulldozer to stop the demolition. One woman said they requested officials to hear them before taking any step. She said they had not harmed anyone.
VDA officials claimed they faced obstruction. Zonal Officer Surbhav Dev ordered police action. Chowk police station later filed an FIR against several residents, including unidentified individuals.
The VDA denied any selective action. It said unlawful construction would not be allowed. It said government work would continue. Senior officers urged full cooperation and warned that any attempt to stop official work would result in legal action.
Residents said they had asked the VDA to review building documents before carrying out any demolition. Mohsin Ali, a shopkeeper, said breaking shops without hearing residents did not amount to justice. Several families said the sudden arrival of bulldozers created fear among women and children. Social worker Farzana Khan said residents asked for fairness, yet an FIR was filed against them.
Muslim residents said they were ready to cooperate. They asked for clear communication, proper notice, and a fair hearing. A local woman said the community respected the law and wanted the law to treat them with respect.
