Dhami Govt bulldozes illegal houses of cattle smugglers, drug traffickers in Dehradun

By Arun Pratap Singh
my uttarakhand news Bureau 

Dehradun, 5 Sep: Pushkar Singh Dhami government today launched a major anti-encroachment drive in the Khushalpur area of Pachhwadoon in Dehradun district. The bulldozers demolished more than half a dozen houses allegedly belonging to history-sheeters and criminals involved in cattle smuggling, cow slaughter, drug smuggling and other serious offences. The administration has claimed that the houses had been constructed illegally after encroachment upon the government land.

The administrative action was launched under the directions of District Magistrate Dr Ashish Chauhan and was led by Vikas Nagar SDM Vinod Kumar. In order to ensure that the action is carried out smoothly, a heavy police force deployed in the area. The administration had already conducted verification of the property documents of the history-sheeters and had issued notices before initiating the demolition drive under due process.

According to the administration, most of those against whom action has been taken were persons with criminal backgrounds who had allegedly come from other states and had settled illegally after encroaching upon government land. Some of them had reportedly been jailed in the past in cases related to cow slaughter, while others were allegedly involved in drug trafficking. The administration said that the action is being taken after due verification of their criminal records as well as the status of the land and properties in question.

Interestingly, the administrative action also witnessed opposition from local Congress leaders. When the demolition drive was under way, Congress leaders from Sahaspur reached the spot and raised objections to the action. Former Cabinet Minister Harak Singh Rawat also reportedly contacted administrative officials over the phone and sought to put pressure on them to stop the demolition drive. The administration, however, continued with the action and proceeded with the demolition of the structures identified as illegal encroachments on government land.

Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Dobal said that all those against whom action is being taken are identified history-sheeters and that several cases had been registered against them in the past under charges relating to cow slaughter, drug smuggling, the Goonda Act and illegal occupation of government land. He said the police and administration had compiled details of their criminal activities and the demolition action is being undertaken in accordance with law.

According to information provided by District Magistrate Dr Ashish Chauhan, the administration demolished the house of Aamir, described as an active cow smuggler in the Khushalpur area, against whom 21 serious cases are registered. The demolition was carried out to remove the alleged encroachment from government land and restore possession of the land to the government.

Similarly, bulldozer action was taken against the properties of Mehraj, against whom 8 cases are registered, Salman, against whom 21 cases are registered, Dilshad Mirchi, with 8 cases registered, Mohsin,  with15 serious cases, and Faizan, with 19. Action was also taken against Kausar, against whom 2 cases related to drug offences are registered. The administration said the demolition of the structures was aimed at freeing government land from illegal encroachment.

Dobal also emphasised that the action has been taken as part of the state government’s stated policy of taking strict action against history-sheeters, habitual offenders and persons involved in organised criminal activities. The administration has maintained that government land cannot be allowed to be occupied illegally by persons with criminal backgrounds and that such encroachments would be removed after following the prescribed legal procedure.

Commenting on the development, CM Dhami said that information had been received regarding some persons who had come from other states and had allegedly occupied government land in Uttarakhand before becoming involved in activities such as cow slaughter, cattle smuggling and drug smuggling. He said when the records and background of such persons were examined, details of their alleged criminal activities were revealed as well. He added that the district administration has taken action against them in accordance with law.

Dhami said the government would not allow the criminal elements to occupy government land and carry out illegal activities. He said action against such persons would continue as per the law and that the administration had been directed to take firm steps wherever illegal encroachments and criminal activities are established.