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New Delhi: The administration in Jaipur district’s Chomu town launched a major demolition drive on Wednesday, cracking down on illegal constructions days after a violent clash linked to a mosque encroachment dispute. The action was carried out in sensitive localities including Pathan Chowk, Haji Colony and Imam Chowk, with three bulldozers entering the areas under heavy police protection.
Officials said the action followed stone-pelting incidents that broke out on December 26, when tensions flared over the removal of alleged encroachment near a mosque located close to the Chomu bus stand. The violence had left several police personnel injured and prompted the detention of more than 100 people.
According to the administration, notices had earlier been served on 23 alleged encroachers and stone-pelters, giving them three days to respond and submit legal documents. The notice period ended on December 31. As no satisfactory replies or documents were submitted, the municipal council decided to proceed with demolition.
On December 29, officials had also issued notices related to 20 illegal slaughterhouses and four illegal constructions. Failure to comply with the notices led to Wednesday’s bulldozer action, authorities said.
Given the sensitivity of the area, around 200 police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order as demolition teams moved in. Three illegal buildings were sealed, and encroachments at 23 locations were removed, officials confirmed.
Police sources said that some of the demolished houses belonged to people allegedly involved in the stone-pelting incident. So far, 19 arrests have been made in connection with the violence, while around 15 accused are still absconding.
During the demolition drive near Imam Chowk, officials recovered an air gun from the debris. Police clarified that the air gun does not fall under the category of firearms and is not considered a lethal weapon, but said it would still be examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities maintained that the operation was conducted peacefully and appealed to residents not to support unlawful activities, warning that strict action would continue against those involved in violence or illegal construction.
After the bulldozer action, prayers were offered at the Pathanan Mosque in Imam Chowk under tight security. While the situation later returned to normal, residents expressed mixed reactions. Some supported the administration’s move against illegal structures, while others objected to the entire locality being labelled as violent and alleged political motives behind the action.
The administration said it would continue monitoring the situation in Chomu to prevent further unrest.
