Jaipur's Demolition Operation: Former DGP Arrested, BJP MLA Protests

Synopsis
Tensions erupted in Jaipur as the JDA's demolition drive on Sirsi Road led to protests and accusations of bias, especially after the detention of a retired police officer. BJP MLA Gopal Sharma joined the protests, denouncing the actions of the JDA and calling for fair treatment of affected residents.
Key Takeaways
- Protests erupted during the JDA's demolition drive.
- Former DGP detained while opposing the demolition.
- BJP MLA Gopal Sharma accuses JDA of bias.
- Claims of discriminatory actions against religious structures.
- Calls for a fair hearing for affected residents.
Jaipur, April 9 (NationPress) The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) initiated a demolition operation on Sirsi Road on Wednesday, sparking unrest marked by protests, political clashes, and claims of discrimination after a retired police officer was arrested. Local BJP MLA Gopal Sharma joined the demonstrators opposing the demolition effort.
The JDA faced significant backlash regarding its current demolition initiative targeting illegal structures in the Sirsi Road vicinity of Jaipur. This operation, which commenced in the morning, aimed to dismantle unauthorized constructions along a 2.5-kilometre stretch. However, it led to considerable turmoil among local residents and political figures.
During the demolition, the JDA also focused on parts of the residence of retired Director General of Police (DGP) Navdeep Singh, alleging illegal construction. When Singh protested against the action, he was taken into police custody, escalating tensions in the area.
Further complicating matters, BJP MLA Gopal Sharma arrived at the scene and confronted JDA officials in a bid to stop the demolition. He vehemently criticized the ongoing actions and accused the administration of acting arbitrarily and without adherence to due process.
In a statement to the media, MLA Sharma claimed that the bureaucratic and administrative apparatus was working against the interests of the BJP government.
He stated that the road-widening initiative, originally intended to expand a 100-ft road to 160 feet, was being conducted without proper notifications to the impacted residents. “For the past four days, individuals have been living in fear. Today, a woman reportedly faced misconduct during the demolition. Was there a female police officer present? Do they have the authority to enter a woman’s home and tear her clothing?” Sharma questioned.
The MLA accused the JDA of biased actions regarding religious sites, alleging that a shrine located on the road at Purani Chungi was left intact while a nearby temple was being demolished.
He denounced such selective enforcement and challenged the criteria being applied by the authorities.
Sharma further criticized the JDA’s approach, questioning why the road widening was not commencing from major roads like Delhi Road, Amer Road, or Agra Road. He accused the JDA of targeting specific neighborhoods and communities, asserting, “Those who chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ are being oppressed. This is injustice, and we will not stand for it.”
While condemning the selective and forceful measures, MLA Sharma stressed that the issue transcends a single administration: “The same system that established people here is now displacing them. These decisions were made by officials in the past and are being executed by officials today. The government must guarantee a fair hearing for affected residents.”
Despite the heightened tensions, Sharma asserted that they do not intend to breach the law but will persist in opposing injustice.