Three days after a youth was fatally stabbed in Jawan township, Aligarh, officials have initiated a demolition drive targeting unauthorized structures in the area, authorities said on Wednesday. The township, located approximately 15 kilometres from Aligarh city, has been under heightened security following the killing, which triggered communal tensions and public demands for “bulldozer justice.”

The demolitions, which began on Tuesday, continued on Wednesday under a heavy deployment of police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel, who have been patrolling the township since the morning. A large number of shops and other illegal structures were reportedly razed during the drive.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mahima Choudhary described the operation as part of a long-pending campaign against encroachments on government land. “All those who had built illegal structures were served notices three days in advance,” she said, emphasizing that the demolitions are part of routine anti-encroachment measures and not linked to any specific incident. Choudhary added that the properties of those accused in the recent killing are also being evaluated, and if found illegal, they will be demolished.

However, some residents expressed grievances over the drive. Shop owner Imran Khan alleged that authorities began demolishing structures before the expiry of the three-day notice period, not allowing owners to remove their goods. He further claimed that some structures on private land were also destroyed, raising concerns over the legality of the action.

Background of the Incident

The demolition drive follows the stabbing death of Karan Singh, a youth in Jawan township, on Saturday night. Police indicated that the attack was allegedly triggered by a social media post shared by Singh, which showed him with a girl from another community. The incident sparked communal tension, protests, and a highway blockade on Sunday, with demonstrators demanding swift demolition of the homes of those accused.

Authorities arrested eight people in connection with the murder and have charged them with homicide. Senior Superintendent of Police Neeraj Kumar and other officials intervened to pacify protesters, assuring strict action against the accused while clarifying that demolition orders fall outside police jurisdiction.

Officials emphasized that the ongoing demolitions are part of a broader district-wide anti-encroachment campaign and are not targeted at individuals involved in the incident. Despite heightened emotions in the area, authorities have reported that the situation remains peaceful, with continuous patrolling by law enforcement.

The Aligarh administration’s demolition drive reflects a broader approach to dealing with illegal encroachments, while also addressing public calls for action following the violent incident. Residents and officials alike are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further unrest in the township.