3,000 Cops Guard Jaipur Anti-Encroachment Drive Involving Temple and Mosque; Internet Services Suspended
Heavy Security, Drone Surveillance, and Prohibitory Orders Imposed as Authorities Launch Major Road-Widening Operation
Jaipur witnessed one of its largest security deployments in recent times as nearly 3,000 police personnel were stationed across the city’s Jagatpura-Nandpuri area for a major anti-encroachment drive conducted by the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) and the district administration. The operation, aimed at widening a key road corridor, involved the removal of several structures, including religious sites such as a mosque, two temples, a mazar (shrine), and a satsang hall that reportedly fell within the road’s right-of-way.
Internet Services Suspended as Precaution
To prevent the spread of rumors and maintain law and order, the Rajasthan administration temporarily suspended 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile internet services in the Jaipur North and Jaipur East police districts. The suspension began at midnight before the operation and was imposed as a preventive measure due to the sensitive nature of the demolitions. Authorities also issued prohibitory orders restricting public gatherings in the affected areas.
Why the Demolition Drive Was Conducted
According to officials, the action forms part of a long-pending infrastructure project to widen the road running parallel to the railway line near the Nandpuri Underpass. The existing road, which had narrowed to approximately 25–30 feet because of encroachments, is planned to be expanded to its sanctioned width of 80 feet, improving connectivity between Malviya Nagar and Jagatpura.
Authorities stated that notices had been issued earlier to affected occupants and that they were given an opportunity to remove the structures voluntarily before the administration initiated demolition.
Massive Security Arrangements
Recognizing the sensitivity of removing religious structures, the administration implemented extensive security measures, including:
- Deployment of around 3,000 police personnel and more than 50 administrative officers.
- Drone surveillance to monitor the area from above.
- Barricading of roads and restrictions on public movement.
- Temporary power shutdowns in parts of the locality during the operation.
- Continuous monitoring of social media to prevent misinformation and inflammatory content.
- Public announcements requesting residents not to gather or spread unverified information.
Political and Public Reactions
The demolition has generated political debate, with some opposition leaders questioning the necessity of removing certain structures and raising concerns regarding compliance with applicable rules. At the same time, the administration has maintained that the action is part of a lawful road-widening project and that all affected structures falling within the designated right-of-way are being treated under the same policy, irrespective of religious affiliation.
Operation Concludes Peacefully
Reports indicate that the operation concluded without any major law-and-order incident. After the demolition drive ended, mobile internet services were restored, and officials reported that more than 100 encroachments had been cleared as part of the project.
The Jaipur operation highlights the complex balance between urban infrastructure development, protection of religious and community sensitivities, and maintenance of public order. It also demonstrates the extensive administrative and policing measures that governments may employ when executing projects involving disputed or sensitive sites.
