A bulldozer in action in Kaiserganj tehsil of Bahraich on Wednesday. (SOURCED IMAGE )

By Shariq Rais Siddiqui,

The Bahraich district administration on Wednesday demolished 23 structures that were illegally built on a barn and a road at Sarai Jagna village under Fakharpur police station in Bahraich’s Kaiserganj tehsil on Wednesday following directives of the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court passed in May 2023 on a petition filed by a local resident.

Heavy police force, including Provincial Armed Constabulary, was deployed during the exercise to clear public land that had been allegedly unlawfully occupied.

Kaiserganj sub divisional magistrate (SDM) Alok Kumar said, “23 structures were found illegally built on gram panchayat land at Sarai Jagna village. Notices were served to all the occupants to vacate the illegally encroached spaces. The administration had given an ultimatum till 10am on Wednesday.”

“The action is being taken in compliance with an order of the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High court,” the SDM said.

According to the SDM, the 23 illegally encroached structures include 11 shops, eight houses and four others that include boundary walls.

The SDM said the action was being taken on the directive of the high court, moreover public land was being freed from illegal encroachment, hence, there was no violation of the Supreme Court order.

This story was originally published in hindustantimes.com. Read the full story here.