By Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Tension gripped Dal Mandi in Varanasi on Tuesday when teams from the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) arrived with bulldozers to pull down what they claimed was unlawful construction in the Kazipura Kala ward. The move prompted strong resistance from local Muslim women, who accused officials of acting “without notice” and “targeting Muslim homes and businesses”.
Shops in the Dal Mandi market remained open on Wednesday, but residents said fear still hung over the area. Many Muslim families described the action as sudden and heavy-handed.
Eyewitnesses said officials began preparing the demolition while families were still inside the building. One of the local women, Shakeela Begum, said, “They came without warning. We asked them to show papers, but they pushed ahead with the bulldozer. We only wanted them to follow the law.”
Another resident, Abdul Rahman, said, “Our people are being treated unfairly. If there is a rule, let them apply it to everyone, not only Muslim areas.”
During the operation, a scuffle broke out between Muslim women and officials from the Public Works Department. Residents said women tried to stand in front of the bulldozer to stop the demolition.
One woman told reporters, “We stood there only to save our homes. We did not harm anyone. We just begged them to hear us.”
However, VDA staff claimed they faced obstruction. Zonal Officer Surbhav Dev later ordered police action, and Chowk police station registered an FIR against several people, some of whom officials say are yet to be identified.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.
