Pilibhit Police File Case Against Petrol Pump Owner for School Playground Encroachment
Police in Pilibhit registered a case on Saturday against a petrol pump owner. The owner allegedly encroached on the playground of a government primary school in Pilibhit city. This action followed clear directions from the district magistrate.
Complaint Details the Alleged Encroachment Incident
Neeraj Arora, the school in charge, filed the complaint. He stated that Sandeep Puri, the owner of a nearby petrol pump, entered the school campus on January 14. Puri arrived with an earthmover and twelve other individuals. The group allegedly began digging the playground immediately. Their goal was to illegally occupy the land by erecting pillars. The estimated value of this land exceeds Rs 5 crore.
The complaint provided further disturbing details. The accused reportedly damaged demarcation markers on the plot. When officials tried to intervene, Puri abused them. He also issued threats to stop their efforts.
Administrative Action and Verification Process
The school authorities reported the incident promptly. They informed the basic shiksha adhikari and other administrative officials. The next day, Pilibhit Sadar SDM Shraddha Singh took charge. She directed a revenue team to carry out a demarcation exercise on the disputed land.
Circle education officer Sunil Kumar explained the verification results. The team confirmed the land belonged to the school. This conclusion was based on thorough checks of revenue records and a physical inspection of the site. The SDM prepared a detailed report of these findings.
District magistrate reviewed the SDM's report carefully. He then approved the filing of the First Information Report. The DM discussed the matter with officials from the revenue and basic education departments. This collaborative discussion preceded the final decision to proceed legally.
Legal Charges Filed Against the Accused
SHO Satyendra Kumar provided specifics on the charges. Police have charged Sandeep Puri and ten to twelve unidentified persons. The charges fall under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and another act:
- BNS Section 191(2) for rioting.
- BNS Section 346 for destroying or defacing property marks.
- BNS Section 329(4) for house trespass.
- BNS Section 352 for intentional insult.
- BNS Section 351(2) for criminal intimidation.
- Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
This case highlights a serious attempt to seize valuable public land meant for children's education and recreation. The swift administrative and police response aims to protect school property and uphold the law.
