Over 150 illegal Bangladeshi settlers reportedly attacked municipal staff in Lucknow, prompting the Mayor to demand swift action; 50 unauthorized shanties were subsequently demolished

Lucknow Clashes: Illegal Settlers Attack Municipal Staff, Mayor Calls for Immediate Action

Lucknow witnessed a tense and chaotic episode as over 150 illegal settlers, reportedly of Bangladeshi origin, attacked municipal staff during an anti-encroachment drive. The incident took place in the city’s outskirts, where unauthorized shanties had been erected on public land. The attack left several municipal workers injured and vehicles damaged, prompting swift retaliation from authorities.

The municipal team, accompanied by police personnel, had arrived at the site early in the morning to demolish illegal structures. However, they were met with fierce resistance as the settlers allegedly used sticks, stones, and other objects to prevent the demolition. Amid the escalating violence, the situation was brought under control only after reinforcements were called in.

Mayor Sushma Kharakwal expressed strong condemnation of the incident, stating, “The safety of our municipal workers is non-negotiable. This kind of lawlessness will not be tolerated in our city. I demand strict and immediate action against those responsible for this violence.”

Following the clash, authorities demolished 50 unauthorized shanties that were built illegally on government land. Preliminary investigations revealed that many of the settlers lacked valid documentation, raising concerns about illegal immigration and encroachments.

This incident has sparked a heated debate in the city, with residents expressing mixed reactions. While some lauded the municipal corporation’s efforts to reclaim public land, others called for a more humane approach to address the root causes of illegal settlement, such as poverty and lack of housing.

Local NGOs have stepped in, urging authorities to ensure that those affected by the demolition, particularly women and children, receive temporary shelter and basic assistance. Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those involved in the attack, and security has been heightened in the area to prevent further unrest.

The incident has once again brought the issue of illegal immigration and urban encroachments into focus, raising questions about governance, law enforcement, and the need for long-term solutions to address the challenges faced by marginalized communities.