Massive Anti-Encroachment Drive In Lucknow, Many Shops Bulldozed Amid Protests

Lucknow, December 22 (TNA) The district authorities on Thursday launched a massive anti-encroachment drive in the state capital and bulldozed many illegal shops and houses on the Kukrail River Front. The bulldozers at first trageted all the houses and shops whose petitions were recently turned down by the divisional commissioner Roshan Jacob.

After the dismissal of their petition, they were asked to vacate their houses and shops within five days. There are 50 families and 27 businessmen and shopkeepers who are affected by the demolition drive, an official said.

The squads spearheading the drive had pasted notices and has asked them to clear out the land. When this did not happen, the authorities took action. They were resisted by the locals as they raised slogans and tried to prevent bulldozers from carrying out the demolition.