Kanpur demolishes illegal cemetery blocking Metro construction project

Kanpur administration has demolished an illegal cemetery built on government land in the Barra-6 area of Barra police station jurisdiction, which had been obstructing the Kanpur Metro construction work for a long time. The demolition action was carried out under heavy police security with bulldozers razing the encroachment.

According to the administration, the cemetery had been illegally constructed on government land and had been creating a major hurdle in the ongoing Kanpur Metro construction project. Following a complaint from the Metro administration, a joint team from the municipal corporation and Kanpur Development Authority (KDA) conducted a survey and measurement of the land, which confirmed that the land belonged to the government. Based on these findings, the administration decided to proceed with the demolition.

During the action, heavy police force was deployed including an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), inspectors from several police stations, and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel to maintain law and order. The administration evacuated the entire area under tight security arrangements and demolished the boundary wall and illegal construction.

The demolition has sparked political controversy, with Samajwadi Party national spokesperson Dr Nitendra Singh raising questions over the administration's action. The SP leader alleged, "The government is selectively targeting a particular community. If the land was illegal, notice should have been issued first and a solution should have been found through dialogue. We condemn this action and will provide legal assistance."

Mohammad Akram from the Muslim community committee said, "This cemetery is 20-25 years old, the graves of our elders are here. The administration did not give us a chance to present our side. Suddenly bringing bulldozers has hurt our religious sentiments. We will meet the District Magistrate and demand reconsideration."

On the other hand, the administration has made it clear that the action was entirely as per rules and that the government land has been freed from encroachment to expedite Metro construction work.