New Delhi: A demolition drive conducted by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) razed several illegal structures in Khajoori Khas. Among those affected is Wakeel Hassan, one of the rat-hole miners who was part of the team that successfully rescued 41 workers trapped in Uttarkashi’s Silkyara tunnel in November of the previous year.
In a video message, Hassan accused the authorities of demolishing his house without any notice.”My house is the only thing I asked for as an award (for the Uttarakhand rescue operation), but DDA razed my home without any notice,” Hassan said. He said that he was assured by the government that his house wouldn’t be touched, but it was razed anyway.
In the video, Hassan showcased the aftermath of the demolition. He also mentioned having to visit a police station in connection with the incident. Accompanying him in the video was Munna Qureshi, another member of the rescue team, who alleged that they were subjected to police brutality during the incident.
They also accused police of bringing Hassan’s minor children to the police station and beating them. In response to inquiries about the demolition drive, the DDA asserted that it was carried out on land designated for planned development. “On February 28, a demolition drive was conducted by the DDA to remove encroachment from its acquired land in village Khajoori Khas.”
A Delhi Police officer, when contacted, confirmed the demolition of several illegal structures during the drive and mentioned providing assistance to maintain law and order. Hassan and five other members of the rat-hole mining team reside in Khajoori Khas, while the remainder hail from Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh. The rat-hole mining team played a crucial role in the rescue operation at the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand, utilizing special techniques to clear rubble and free the trapped workers.
