Unidentified individuals set up barricades near Eye Department shrine, administration calls it fresh encroachment attempt and seeks police action
Tension erupted at King George’s Medical University in Lucknow after unidentified individuals reportedly erected bamboo barricades around a historic shrine located behind the Eye Department near Gate No. 1, triggering concerns over fresh encroachment on the university campus.
According to reports, the shrine is believed to be around six to seven centuries old and had previously coexisted with several illegal shops in the area. Following a court order, authorities removed dozens of unauthorized shops from the site earlier, though the shrine itself was left untouched.
Barricades Erected Despite Earlier Clearance
The situation escalated on March 5, when unknown individuals reportedly installed bamboo poles and barricades around the shrine. University authorities said the move contradicts the spirit of the court’s order and may lead to renewed encroachment and disturbance on the campus.
Officials stated that the area had been cleared and was being used temporarily as a parking space due to space constraints after the construction of a second trauma centre at the medical university.
Administration Seeks FIR, Submits CCTV Footage
K.K. Singh, a lecturer at King George’s Medical University who is overseeing the anti-encroachment drive in coordination with the district administration and police, said the barricades were erected during the night of Holi on March 4.
He stated that the university has submitted an application to the police seeking registration of an FIR against the individuals responsible. CCTV footage from the campus has also been provided to the authorities to help identify those involved.
Singh added that the administration expects the police to remove the barricades and take appropriate legal action. If necessary, the matter may also be brought to the attention of the Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
Demolition Drive Against Illegal Mazars
Earlier, authorities had demolished three of the eight mazars on the KGMU campus after their management committees failed to provide valid legal documents proving ownership or land rights within the 15-day deadline ending February 12.
Sources said the university administration had informed the committees that the anti-encroachment drive would resume after Eid-al-Fitr, expected around March 20.
Political Attention Over Shrine Issue
The matter has also attracted political attention. Local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Abhijit Mishra had earlier filed a complaint with the university administration alleging that the mausoleums were illegally constructed and demanded their removal.
However, members of the mazar management committee have disputed the claim, stating that the structures predate the establishment of the medical institution and have existed for several centuries.
Authorities are currently monitoring the situation closely while police investigate the incident to identify those responsible for erecting the barricades on the university campus.
