Big bulldozer action in Prayagraj, Saharanpur: 'Mastermind's' house razed, same-fate for stone-pelters - 10 facts

Bulldozers are out on streets to demolish the illegally constructed properties of the accused of violent protests in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj and Saharanpur. The district authorities have used the state's typical bulldozer action route to act against the accused. So far, at least three properties of violence accused have been demolished - one in Prayagraj and two in Saharanpur.

Here's a closer look at Yogi Adityanath's bulldozer action on alleged rioters in Uttar Pradesh:

1) Mastermind's house demolished: The Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) has demolished the house of Javed Ahmad, alias Pump, the alleged mastermind of Friday's violence here, amid a heavy police deployment. In Prayagraj, a senior PDA official said, "Javed Ahmad's house -- JK Ashiyana -- is located in the Kareli area of Prayagraj. Police force and a JCB machine reached the Kareli police station around 10.30 am and demolition commenced around 1 pm."


2) Bulldozer action in Saharanpur: A day earlier, the properties of two people accused of rioting were demolished in Saharanpur where stone-pelting had taken place as well. Superintendent of Police, City (Saharanpur), Rajesh Kumar had said two accused who created ruckus have been identified through CCTV footage as Muzammil, a resident of Rahat Colony, 62 Futa Road, and Abdul Vakir, a resident of Khata Khedi. Municipal corporation teams bulldozed their illegal properties, he said.

3) Why was the house demolished? "The house was built without getting its map passed by the PDA. For this, he was issued a notice on May 10 and was told to present his point of view on May 24. On the said date, neither Javed nor his lawyer turned up. No document was presented in this regard; hence, on May 25, demolition orders were issued," the PDA official said.

4) In a tweet in Hindi on Saturday, Mrityunjay Kumar, the media adviser to the chief minister, had said, "Unruly elements remember, every Friday is followed by a Saturday" and posted a photo of a bulldozer demolishing a building.

5) On Friday, people pelted stones at police personnel in Prayagraj and Saharanpur during protests after Friday prayers in mosques.

6) At least four other cities witnessed similar scenes during the marches that were carried out to protest the controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad made by now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.

7) In Prayagraj, the mob set on fire a few motorcycles and carts, and also attempted to set ablaze a police vehicle. Police used tear gas and lathis to disperse the protesters and restore peace. A policeman was injured, according to officials.

8) Nupur Sharma was suspended by the BJP as several Islamic nations denounced her comments on the Prophet during a TV debate.