Daijiworld Media Network - Prayagraj

Prayagraj, Apr 2: Eight-year-old Ananya, whose heart-wrenching image clutching her books amid a bulldozer demolition has gone viral, dreams of becoming an IAS officer. Her story has now reached the Supreme Court, which took serious note of illegal demolitions in Prayagraj.

A video capturing Ananya’s desperate attempt to save her books from destruction has shocked the nation and drawn sharp criticism from the Supreme Court. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan called the demolitions ‘inhuman and illegal,’ ordering the Prayagraj Development Authority to pay Rs 10 lac compensation to each affected house owner within six weeks.

"The manner in which the demolition took place shocks our conscience. There is something called the right to shelter and due process of law," the court said, underlining that rule of law must prevail.

Ananya recalled the terrifying moment, saying, "The bulldozer was coming close, so I ran inside to get my books." Her grandfather, Ram Milan Yadav, expressed his anguish, claiming they had no idea why their house was targeted.

Officials, however, insist due process was followed, stating notices were served two months ago. Sub-divisional magistrate Pawan Jaiswal also dismissed claims that Ananya’s home was demolished, saying it was untouched.

Meanwhile, local authorities have filed an FIR against alleged misinformation and AI-generated images circulating online. The case has sparked a nationwide debate on forced evictions, with Ananya’s story becoming a symbol of resilience and injustice.