The district administration in Dehradun took decisive action on Wednesday. They externed a man from the Rishi Vihar locality following numerous complaints. His own mother and neighbours reported that he posed a serious threat to the community. They described his behaviour as frequently violent and disruptive.
Six-Month Externment Order Issued
District Magistrate Savin Bansal issued the formal order. Divyakant Lakhera, who is in his early thirties, must remain outside Dehradun district limits for six months. He can only re-enter with prior approval from the authorities. Violating this order carries a severe penalty. It could result in imprisonment for up to three years.
Magistrate Bansal directed the Nehru Colony police station to ensure strict compliance. They have twenty-four hours to execute the order. This swift action underscores the administration's commitment to public safety.
A History of Offences and Legal Action
Lakhera is not a first-time offender. He has served multiple jail terms in the past. The administration had already issued him a notice in October last year. Several cases are registered against him at the Nehru Colony police station. One significant case falls under the stringent Goonda Control Act.
A recent probe by the Sadar sub-divisional magistrate confirmed the allegations. The investigation found that Lakhera had been harassing his family and neighbours for years. This official validation strengthened the case for externment.
Mother's Harrowing Account and Neighbours' Plight
Beena, Lakhera's mother, provided a distressing account. She stated that her son frequently assaulted her. The fear became so overwhelming that she left her own house several years ago. In her formal complaint, she made a grave allegation. She accused him of converting their family home into a drug den.
"He was admitted to a de-addiction centre in 2024," Beena added. "Unfortunately, his behaviour deteriorated even further after his release."
The problems extended far beyond his immediate family. Over twenty families from the Rishi Vihar area joined the complaint. They reported that Lakhera routinely made lewd and inappropriate remarks targeting women in the locality. These incidents prompted them to contact the women's helpline on multiple occasions.
Residents described a pattern of intimidating behaviour. Lakhera would deliberately switch off street lights, creating a sense of fear. He trespassed into houses at night and was caught peeping through windows. He even stood on top of parked vehicles, causing alarm and nuisance.
"Many of us have installed CCTV cameras specifically to document his disruptive activities," the collective complaint read. This step was taken to gather concrete evidence for the authorities.
The district administration's externment order aims to provide immediate relief to the beleaguered residents of Rishi Vihar. It represents a firm legal response to persistent anti-social activities that threatened community peace and individual safety.
