Land Grab in Lucknow? Wall Built on Public Road, Gun Threats and Caste Abuse Alleged in Posh Colony
A major controversy has erupted in Lucknow’s upscale Swastika City on Sultanpur Road, where residents allege an attempt to illegally occupy a public road using threats in the name of former MP Dhananjay Singh. According to residents, Vinay Singh, husband of Maharajganj (Jaunpur) Block Chief Mandvi Singh, tried to block a 20-foot-wide asphalt road that has been in public use for over 20 years. The road is used daily by women, children and elderly residents. The alleged move was aimed at occupying around 2,000 square feet of disputed land. On Monday, December 29, Vinay Singh allegedly arrived with his official gunner and 8–10 private guards and began constructing a wall near a house gate, severely restricting movement. When residents objected, he allegedly threatened them, picked up bricks, brandished his licensed rifle and gun, and issued death threats, causing panic in the colony. During the incident, a youth identified as Ramu was allegedly assaulted with intent to kill and abused wit...