In a significant crackdown on organized crime and illegal encroachment, authorities in Gurgaon on Tuesday demolished an illicit market allegedly constructed and operated by a 29-year-old man with a long and violent criminal history. This action marks the third such major demolition drive targeting encroachments on government land in the city within just one week.
Notorious Offender's Illegal Empire Torn Down
The demolition targeted a market built by the accused, identified as Ricky, a resident of Khandsa who is currently lodged in Bhondsi district jail in connection with an Arms Act case. Police investigators revealed that Ricky had illegally encroached upon prime land belonging to the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC). On this land, he constructed approximately 100 temporary shops and 10 permanent structures, running an organized racket.
This illegal complex was generating an estimated Rs 5 to 6 lakh per month in illegal rent, providing a significant financial stream for criminal activities. The demolition was executed by Sector 37 police under the direct supervision of Inspector Manjeet, the Station House Officer (SHO). The operation saw heavy deployment of police personnel alongside officials from the District Town Planning (DTP) department and HSIIDC.
A Habitual Offender with a Long Criminal Trail
Police described Ricky as a habitual offender with an extensive criminal record spanning over a decade. His alleged crimes include serious charges such as:
- Murder
- Attempted murder
- Extortion
- Rioting
- Possession of illegal arms
Official records indicate his involvement in over 30 criminal cases registered across multiple police stations in Gurgaon and neighboring districts. He is presently in judicial custody for a case registered on December 10 under the Arms Act at Sector 50 police station.
A senior police officer stated, "After verifying records and gathering intelligence on properties acquired through criminal activities, action is being taken against such illegal properties." The officer emphasized that similar anti-encroachment drives would continue in the coming days to reclaim public land and dismantle crime-funded infrastructure.
Simultaneous Action Against Illegal Liquor Dens
In a parallel action on the same day, authorities demolished another set of illegal structures in the Sector 5 area. These were illegal liquor-selling dens allegedly operated by habitual offenders on government land.
Police action targeted encroachments linked to eight notorious criminals who had illegally set up tin sheds near Chhoti Mata Mandir Road. They were allegedly earning money by illegally selling and serving liquor. The eight accused have been identified as Mohit, Naveen, Izhar, Rahul, Deepak, Prashant, Rahul, and Manjeet Singh Saini.
Collectively, these individuals have a staggering total of more than 50 cases registered against them under the Excise Act. Among them, Manjeet Singh Saini is a listed history-sheeter with 17 cases to his name.
Broader Implications and Official Stance
Officials clarified that the demolished market in Khandsa was not just an encroachment but served as a hub for illicit commercial activities and allegedly helped finance broader criminal operations. An officer highlighted the dual loss caused by such occupations, stating, "Such illegal occupations not only cause revenue loss to the government but also create fear among residents."
The back-to-back demolition drives signal a renewed and intensified focus by Gurgaon police and civic authorities to reclaim government land from the clutches of criminal elements. The strategy involves targeting the economic assets of criminals to cripple their funding networks and restore public land for its intended use.
