A newly initiated road development project in Shahjahanpur, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, recently descended into chaos when a group of individuals who claimed to have connections with the local Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) engaged in destructive actions. According to reports, these individuals went so far as to dig up and vandalize a 7-kilometre section of the road using heavy machinery.
Additionally, they were accused of assaulting construction workers and setting construction equipment ablaze. This series of events reportedly unfolded in response to the contractor’s refusal to pay what was termed a “goonda tax.”
The contractor responsible for the project, Shakuntala Singh, who hails from Gorakhpur, reported that the disruption stemmed from an individual who introduced himself as the “local MLA’s representative” named Jagveer Singh. Shakuntala Singh alleged that Jagveer Singh not only obstructed the ongoing construction but also played a role in causing significant damage to public property during the altercation.
In response to these disturbing events, the District Magistrate of Shahjahanpur, Umesh Singh, initiated an official inquiry to delve into the circumstances surrounding this incident. An anonymous police officer disclosed that the primary accused, Jagveer Singh, is frequently seen in close proximity to the MLA, further suggesting a connection.
Notably, the road construction project had a substantial budget of Rs 12 crore. It was alleged that a local political figure had demanded a considerable commission related to the project, a demand that ultimately triggered the dispute leading to these unfortunate events.
In light of the severity of the situation, Jagveer Singh, alongside 15-20 unidentified individuals involved in the incident, found themselves subject to legal action. They were booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including those outlined in the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. District Magistrate Umesh Singh emphasized, We will not tolerate such activities, confirming the formal filing of an FIR. While three individuals have been apprehended thus far, the central figure in the incident, Jagveer Singh, remains at large, intensifying the efforts to locate and apprehend him.
In response to the allegations and developments, the local MLA addressed the situation when speaking with TOI. He defended himself by suggesting that the contractor had utilised substandard materials for the road construction, prompting his objection. The MLA further speculated that the contractor might have intentionally damaged the road and subsequently filed an FIR with the aim of seeking an insurance claim.
As of now, the situation remains under thorough investigation by authorities, with their primary objective being to identify, locate, and bring to justice those responsible for the acts of destruction and violence that disrupted the road development project in Shahjahanpur.
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