Protests erupted in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, as demolition work began in the Dal Mandi area for a road widening project. Tensions escalated when a shopkeeper allegedly set his own shop on fire in protest. The shopkeeper poured petrol inside his shop, causing panic and a stampede-like situation among residents and bystanders.
Fire brigade teams, police, and officials rushed to the location to control the blaze. Despite efforts, the fire remained active for a significant period. The shop where the fire broke out had residential quarters above it, with women present during the incident.
Authorities sealed off the area as a precaution and evacuated workers from the demolition site. The Deputy Commissioner of Police confirmed the incident and stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the shopkeeper. The demolition drive aims to remove unsafe structures in Dal Mandi, with 21 buildings currently targeted for demolition.
Local residents and shopkeepers protested the demolition, requesting a 10-day extension before the action proceeded. Police detained eight individuals for causing disturbances during the protests. To maintain order, around 500 police personnel, including women officers, were deployed in the area.
Drones were also deployed for surveillance. Officials highlighted that the targeted buildings were over a century old and posed serious safety risks. Previous demolition operations had taken place in the area, with ongoing efforts to remove dilapidated structures for public safety.
