Farmhouse, godown of liquor mafioso demolished

PRAYAGRAJ: A farm house and godown of liquor mafioso Sudhakar Singh was demolished by a team of police and administrative officials at Gopalpur village, Pratapgarh, on Friday.

The action was taken after all efforts to arrest Singh, wanted in a case related to recovery of illicit liquor in Kunda and Hathigawa areas a few months back, went in vain.

Singh is registered as a liquor mafioso in police records and even carries a reward of Rs 1 lakh on his arrest.

It is alleged that the land on which Singh had constructed his farmhouse, godown and factory was, in fact, allotted on lease to other villagers for agriculture purposes.

Singh, a resident of Purmai Sultanpur village, in Maheshganj

area of Pratapgarh, allegedly grabbed the land after threatening the villagers.

On June 14, sub-divisional magistrate Satish Chandra Tripathi sent a notice to Singh asking him to vacate the land by June 23.

In the notice, it was also said the administration will demolish the illegal construction and the cost of which will be taken from the illegal occupier.

On Friday, Tripathi along with revenue teams and force of many police stations reached Gopalpur village.

Four JCB machines were deployed to demolish the boundary wall, godown and factory premises.

Circle officer Lalganj, Jagmohan said heavy security arrangements were put in place during the drive and added that fresh efforts will be made to arrest Singh.