Stone-Pelting Chaos Rocks Lucknow Demolishment Drive

Tension gripped the streets of Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh during an anti-encroachment drive! The removal of unauthorized buildings in Akbarnagar turned into a chaotic ordeal where ‘peacefuls’ showcased their stone-pelting skills with aplomb.

Fueled by rumors, the ‘peaceful’ perpetrated violence on the Anti-Encroachment team. This team was executing HC orders under the protection of the police. However, a viral video on social media and a rumor of trapped people incited mob violence against officials doing their jobs. Let’s talk about the Lucknow incident and the rising mob violence against government officials in Bharat!

Lucknow Anti-Encroachment Drive Disrupted by Stone Pelters   

The Demolishment

The events unfolded on the morning of 10th March 2024. A team from the Lucknow Development Authority and a contingent of police personnel arrived in Akbarnagar. Their task was simple, to execute the HC’s directives to demolish three illegally constructed structures. Thus, armed with heavy machinery and JCBs, the authorities embarked on their task with a clear mind and heart. Their duty was to clear the area of encroachments.

Breaking🚨 Bharat🇮🇳 Uttar Pradesh

The ongoing illegal house demolition action in Akbar Nagar in Lucknow is being protested by Islamists.

Uttar Pradesh Police pelted with stones by Islamists Heavy police force including DCP Raveena Tyagi deployed on the spot pic.twitter.com/dBKAiVnuiX

— Izlamic Terrorist (@raviagrawal3) March 10, 2024

However, the routine operation quickly spiraled into pandemonium and chaos. During demolition, one of the buildings collapsed unexpectedly. Thereby, engulfing the area in a cloud of dust and debris. Nimble-fingered netizens quickly captured this harrowing scene on video and circulated it like wildfire across social media platforms. Then began the rumor that drew public acrimony. 

The Rumor

Amidst the chaos, someone started ‘peaceful’ rumors that individuals were trapped beneath the rubble or nearby homes.

The rumor triggered panic and outrage among the onlookers. Despite assurances from officials that the building had been vacated prior to demolition, the mob was whipped into a frenzy! The frantic mob refused to be placated and began to pelt stones at the officials doing their job!!! 

The situation reached a boiling point as enraged ‘peacefuls’ converged into a mob to attack the authorities. Stones were hurled, tempers flared, and chaos reigned supreme in the area. The beleaguered police and LDA personnel were severely outnumbered and overwhelmed by the surging crowd. They were forced to beat a hasty retreat, leaving behind their equipment and machinery. The streets of Akbarnagar became a battleground with debris strewn and echoing angry voices.

The Aftermath

As the situation threatened to spiral out of control, reinforcements were summoned. A contingent of police officers swiftly rushed to the area to restore order. With a show of force and a firm hand, the authorities managed to disperse the crowd and bring an end to the violence, albeit temporarily. The locals were assured that the officials had court permits and were doing their job. Thereafter, the police had to reassure everyone that no one was trapped under the debris! 

The History

The High Court confirmed that illegal occupation took place in the Akbarnagar area. Residential and Commercial complexes were found to be in violation of the law.

An order was passed to demolish all the illegal buildings to reclaim the land. However, 74 BPL cardholders approached the Allahabad HC to ask for a stay. The HC took cognizance of their request and ordered a stay on residential demolishment. However, the plea by commercial complexes was dismissed by the court on 27th February 2024. The LDA team had gone to demolish these three commercial buildings only.

The first two buildings were demolished successfully without any untoward incident. The last building collapsed due to unknown reasons. The huge cloud of debris and falling segments fell into 7 nearby homes. The rumors that caused the chaos first alleged that people were trapped under the commercial building and then later spoke of trapped homeowners in the residential buildings. The second panic about trapped residents and the demolishment of illegal homes brought about panic among residents. 

However, in the aftermath, Dr. Indramani Tripathi, VC of LDA, confirmed that only the three commercial structures had been demolished as per court orders. Additionally, seven homes damaged due to the collapse of the third building were provided with Pradhan Mantri Awas to address their immediate housing needs.

Challenging Authority: Street Veto and Stone Pelting

Despite the swift resolution of the crisis, the events in Lucknow serve as a stark reminder of how authority is repeatedly challenged by ‘peacefuls’. Law enforcement agencies face street veto and stone-pelting mobs while doing their jobs. The Lucknow incident is remarkably similar to Haldwani Horrors and Delhi Street Namaz.

To maintain order, upholding the law takes a back seat in the face of “peaceful” mobs. Social media is a tool used to whip crowds into a frenzy and incite riots. Rumors and misinformation are tactlessly presented as facts. To escalate tensions, toolkits offer free support and support simmering tensions. Consequently, Bharat is witnessing a sharp rise in stone-pelting mobs. These ‘peaceful’ mobs that challenge authority are a menace to Bharat’s harmony and societal cohesion.

As the dust settles in Lucknow, it is imperative that authorities take proactive measures to counter mindless violence and its perpetrators. Therefore, an example must be made to show that violence and riots will not be rewarded by appeasement tactics.