Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
A dramatic crackdown on alleged encroachment shook Rudrapur’s Khera locality on Thursday after a surprise inspection by municipal corporation Mayor Vikas Sharma allegedly uncovered an “illegal mazaar” built inside a house raised on government land near the riverbank.
The inspection team, led by the Mayor along with ADM Pankaj Upadhyay, Municipal Commissioner Shipra Joshi Pandey and civic officials, reached the area near Chand Masjid following complaints of large-scale encroachment. Officials were stunned to find a house allegedly constructed on public land with a shrine-like structure built inside.
During questioning, authorities reportedly learnt that the occupant had buried his father inside the house after his death and later developed the site into a mazaar. Officials further alleged that the accused had encroached upon government land and sold plots to several people in the vicinity.
The administration immediately sealed the structure and initiated legal proceedings.
“Government land cannot be occupied in the name of religion. Strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such encroachment,” Mayor Vikas Sharma said. Referring to the ongoing anti-encroachment drive in Uttarakhand, he added, “The campaign against illegal structures and so-called land jihad will continue with full force.”
ADM Pankaj Upadhyay said a detailed probe had been ordered and demolition proceedings would soon follow.
