The administration on Monday (11 May 2026) carried out a bulldozer demolition drive against the Waqf Board-run ‘Musafir Khana’ in the Dalmandi area of Varanasi. The entire locality was turned into a high-security zone during the operation, with more than 300 security personnel deployed to maintain law and order.
Barricades were installed to restrict public movement, while drones were also used for aerial surveillance across the area.
#WATCH | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Demolition drive underway against Waqf Board-run ‘Musafir Khana’ properties in the Dalmandi area. Heavy deployment of PWD, district administration, paramilitary, PAC and police at the site. Over 300 personnel deployed.
— ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2026
(Source: ACP Dashashwadesh… pic.twitter.com/NgEPyAIIrO
Speaking about the action, Dashashwamedh ACP Atul Anjan Tripathi said the Waqf property was officially registered as ‘Musafir Khana’ and demolition proceedings were initiated only after completing the required legal process. He stated that all legal formalities had been fulfilled by the concerned departments and sufficient time had been provided before the action was undertaken.
According to the administration, extensive security arrangements were made to ensure the operation remained peaceful. Heavy deployment of PWD officials, district administration teams, paramilitary forces, PAC personnel and local police was seen at the site.
#WATCH | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Dashashwamedh ACP Atul Anjan Tripathi says, "This is a Waqf property, Musafir Khana, on which demolition work is underway. The relevant department has completed the legal process, and after giving sufficient time, the demolition action has been… https://t.co/QdDrf5s1KO pic.twitter.com/hKtX31W43t
— ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2026
Dalmandi is considered one of the most sensitive and densely populated areas of Varanasi, prompting authorities to remain on high alert throughout the demolition drive. Police patrolling in nearby areas was also intensified to prevent any untoward incident.
