DDA demolition drive renders heroic rat-hole miner's house in rubble

New Delhi: The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) initiated a demolition drive in Khajoori Khas, demolishing several houses, including that of Wakeel Hassan, a rat-hole miner recognised for his role in rescuing 41 workers trapped in Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel last November.

Hassan, who saved lives during the tunnel rescue operation, expressed frustration, claiming that despite prior requests to authorities for his house's preservation, it was unexpectedly demolished.

The DDA defended the action, stating that the demolition targeted encroachments on its planned development land in the village Khajoori Khas. Police supported the operation, emphasising that illegal structures were removed during the drive.

Hassan, in a video, highlighted the demolition of his residence without prior notice. He asserted that he had sought the authorities' intervention to secure the house for his team but received no assistance. Munna Qureshi, another member of the rescue team, accompanied Hassan in the video, claiming they were subjected to police brutality.

A Delhi Police official confirmed providing assistance during the drive and mentioned the demolition of various illegally constructed structures. Hassan and five team members reside in Khajoori Khas, while the remainder are from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. Their specialised mining techniques played a crucial role in the Silkyara tunnel rescue, where workers were trapped for around 17 days after a tunnel collapse in November.