• By Imran Zafar
  • Mon, 09 Sep 2024 12:27 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Tensions flared in Madhapur, a neighbourhood of Hyderabad, on Sunday as locals protested the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency's (HYDRA) demolition of alleged illegal structures. Frustrated residents, affected by the demolitions, resorted to pouring kerosene on themselves in a desperate protest, demanding the housing promised by the government.

The demolitions, part of HYDRA's operation, were criticised for targeting the poor and middle-class communities while ignoring powerful real estate encroachments. Many residents claimed they received no prior notice about the demolition, questioning the authorities where they are supposed to go.

Videos of the protest quickly spread on social media, showing residents pouring kerosene on themselves to highlight their plight. The demolished structures were located within the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zones of the 26-acre Sunnam Cheruvu lake, which the HYDRA team identified as illegal constructions.

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Residents accused the authorities of unfairly targeting them while neglecting to act against the real estate mafias responsible for larger encroachments. They also expressed anger over the government's unfulfilled housing promises. 

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Police were present at the scene to manage the protests and prevent further escalation, intervening to detain protesters. The Madhapur police stated they are monitoring the situation and no case has been registered yet.