LUCKNOW – On December 29, a mob of 150-200 illegal Bangladeshi settlers attacked municipal workers during an anti-encroachment drive in the Indira Nagar area of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The team, led by municipal supervisor Minakshi, was assaulted by the mob armed with sticks, resulting in several injuries among the officials.
The incident began around 7 AM when municipal workers arrived at Zone 7 near the ‘Ghode Wale Mandir’ to remove illegal handcarts. Complaints had been received about illegal Bangladeshis engaging in unauthorized waste collection, leading to unsanitary conditions. During the drive, resistance was met, and a local woman called for reinforcement. Within minutes, a mob of illegal settlers arrived and attacked the municipal team, snatching belongings, including a gold chain and mobile phones.
The attack escalated tensions, prompting a demolition drive where authorities removed at least 50 illegal shanties belonging to the settlers. A case against the attackers has been registered at Indira Nagar Police Station.
Municipal Workers Attacked
The municipal team, led by supervisor Minakshi, faced violent resistance during the anti-encroachment drive. The mob assaulted Minakshi, tore her clothes, and snatched her gold chain. Municipal staff members Shiv Balak and Deep Bhushan had their mobile phones stolen. Vehicles were vandalized, and the driver of inspector Vijeta Dwivedi was dragged and attacked. The team narrowly escaped and informed senior officials.
Mayor Demands Immediate Action
Mayor Sushma Kharkwal visited the site with Joint Commissioner of Police Amit Verma and BJP MLA O.P. Srivastava. She criticized local electricity officials for enabling illegal power connections in the area, which were immediately disconnected. Kharkwal demanded strict action against the illegal immigrants and threatened to protest if no action was taken.
Demolition Drive Conducted Under Police Protection
By early afternoon, the municipal team, under heavy police protection, demolished approximately 50 illegal shanties in the Indira Nagar area. Residents, reportedly Bangladeshi migrants, were seen relocating their belongings.
Formal Complaints and Political Reactions
Municipal officer Kuldeepak Singh lodged a formal complaint at Indira Nagar Police Station, detailing the attack and naming Nadim and Sheru as leaders of the violent group. An FIR has been registered under multiple sections of Bharatiya Nayay Sanhita (BNS) and the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 1932.
The Uttar Pradesh Local Bodies Employees Association condemned the attack, with president Shashi Kumar Mishra demanding strict action to prevent similar incidents in the future.