Varanasi Demolition Drive Ignites Protests and Arson Incident
Tensions flared dramatically in Varanasi's Dalmandi area as police detained at least six individuals during protests against the demolition of 21 buildings declared unsafe by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation. The situation took a dangerous turn when a local resident, in a desperate act, set his own house ablaze by pouring petrol on the balcony before fleeing, prompting an immediate police search operation.
Road Widening Project Advances Amidst Chaos
The Dalmandi road widening project in Varanasi is progressing steadily, with the Public Works Department having purchased 29 out of the 187 buildings identified for the initiative. This ambitious Rs 224 crore project aims to transform the 650-metre road into a 17.4-metre-wide thoroughfare, significantly enhancing accessibility to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Out of these acquired structures, the PWD has already demolished 16 buildings.
Last week, the VMC issued notices to the owners of 21 dilapidated buildings in Dalmandi, instructing them to vacate within three days to facilitate demolition. On Monday, a high-voltage drama unfolded as a joint team comprising PWD officials, VMC representatives, and district administration personnel arrived with six bulldozers to commence the demolition of these 21 unsafe structures, sparking immediate tensions and widespread protests.
Arson Incident and Police Response
As officials approached Rahmat Ali's building in Dalmandi, he emerged on the balcony brandishing a mug of petrol, threatening to ignite the house. Despite attempts to negotiate and calm him, Ali proceeded to sprinkle fuel on the balcony, wooden door, and nearby individuals before setting the area ablaze. Chaos erupted as people scrambled to safety, and Ali managed to escape by leaping onto a neighboring building's terrace.
It required nearly thirty minutes to bring the volatile situation under control near Ali's residence, after which demolition operations resumed. DCP Kashi Gaurav Banswal, who alongside ADM (City) Alok Kumar led the joint team, confirmed that the flames were extinguished with assistance from a fire tender, and fortunately, no fatalities occurred in this alarming incident. Police forces have been mobilized to apprehend Ali, who remains at large.
Local Resistance and Legal Actions
Local residents and traders vehemently argued with officials at various points, alleging that the demolition unfairly targeted their area while thousands of other dilapidated buildings across the district were being overlooked. Protests intensified, with individuals pushing against police lines and attempting to obstruct the demolition team. In response, officers dragged protesters away, with several being transported to the Chowk police station for further processing.
Following the conclusion of Monday's demolition drive, ACP Dashaswamedh Atul Anjan Tripathi reported that a total of six persons were detained and taken to the Chowk police station to prevent them from hindering the ongoing work. He emphasized that legal action would be pursued against Rahmat Ali for engaging in arson, underscoring the seriousness of his actions.
Project Impact and Compensation Details
To date, the demolition process in Varanasi's Dalmandi area has impacted 50 buildings since October 2025. Among these, 16 have been completely demolished, while work continues on the remaining 34 structures. A PWD executive engineer disclosed that the process to purchase 29 buildings has been finalized, with Rs 23.50 crore distributed as compensation among 104 shareholders.
Out of the total project cost, Rs 194 crore is allocated specifically for the purchase and acquisition of identified buildings. The engineer added that paperwork for 20 buildings has been submitted by their owners and is currently under review to complete the acquisition process. Regarding the 21 buildings being demolished after being declared dilapidated by the VMC, questions arose about potential compensation for their owners.
In response, PWD executive engineer KK Singh clarified that compensation amounts for these property owners will be determined based on the value of their land and the prescribed norms for paying for dilapidated built areas, ensuring a structured approach to financial restitution.
