Daijiworld Media Network – Dehradun
Dehradun, Jun 15: A 44-year-old BJP worker was killed and his two brothers injured in a dispute over irrigation water between neighbours in Uttarakhand's Dehradun district, triggering violent protests and prompting heavy security deployment in the area.
The incident took place on Saturday evening in Bairagiwala village under the Vikasnagar area after an argument reportedly broke out between Vinod Kumar and a neighbour, identified as Imtiyaz, over an ongoing irrigation-related dispute.
According to Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Singh Dobhal, members of one group allegedly assaulted three brothers — Ashok, Vinod and Rajesh Kumar — during the confrontation.
The injured were rushed to a hospital, where Vinod Kumar succumbed to his injuries.
The death sparked tension across the area, with angry residents staging protests and demanding immediate action against the accused. Demonstrators allegedly pelted stones and set fire to one of the suspect's houses.
To prevent further escalation, police deployed additional personnel and paramilitary forces, while four suspects were arrested in connection with the case.
Amid growing public anger, the district administration launched demolition action against an alleged illegal structure linked to one of the accused. Initially, a portion of the building was demolished, but following continued protests and demands for stricter action, authorities later razed the entire house.
Protesters also called for "bulldozer action" against all properties linked to the accused.
Officials did not immediately clarify whether legal procedures, including notice requirements mandated by the Supreme Court before demolition, had been followed. Attempts to seek clarification from District Magistrate Ashish Chauhan and Vikasnagar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vinod Kumar reportedly did not elicit a response, while local revenue officials declined to comment.
Reacting to the demolition, Uttarakhand BJP chief Mahendra Bhatt said the action reflected the government's zero-tolerance approach towards crime.
“The demolition action against the accused was only the first indication of the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards crime,” Bhatt said.
Police said investigations are continuing and security arrangements remain in place to maintain law and order in the area.