PDA demolishes boundary walls on lands illegally occupied by Atiq, aides

It is suspected that Atiq’s kin and associates involved in the real estate business have been providing his gang financial help, officials said.

As part of the ongoing crackdown against gangster-politician Atiq Ahmad and his associates, Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) on Thursday demolished boundary walls built around 300 bighas (around 185 acres) of commercial plots in Bakshi Modha and Damupur villages. The plots were owned by Atiq’s brother-in-law Imran and other associates, officials said.

PDA has identified lands illegally under the possession of the former MP in Bakshi Modha, Damupur, Saidpur, Lakhanpur, Birampur, Rawatpur and other adjoining villages in Kareli and Dhumanganj (HT Photo)

On Tuesday, PDA officials put up notices at the house of Guddu Muslim and a commercial building owned by his brother Abid in Chakia area. Guddu is one of the key assailants involved in the murder of lawyer Umesh Pal and his two police guards on February 24.

It is suspected that Atiq’s kin and associates involved in the real estate business have been providing his gang financial help, officials said.

PDA has identified lands illegally under the possession of the former MP in Bakshi Modha, Damupur, Saidpur, Lakhanpur, Birampur, Rawatpur and other adjoining villages in Kareli and Dhumanganj areas.

The demolition drive will continue on Friday, the officials added.