By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
In a major crackdown on criminals and illegal encroachments, the Dehradun police and administration on Saturday demolished illegally constructed properties belonging to 13 people, including 10 accused of involvement in drug trafficking, cow slaughter and other criminal activities in Sahaspur area.
Sahaspur Circle Officer Anuj Kumar said the 10 criminals had previously faced action under the Goonda Act and Gangsters Act, while several of them have more than a dozen criminal cases registered against them at different police stations.
A joint team of the police and district administration carried out the demolition drive in Khushalpur and Jassowala villages, targeting houses and other structures allegedly constructed by encroaching upon government land.
Among those whose illegal properties were demolished were seven accused from Khushalpur and three from Jassowala who have cases registered against them for offences including drug trafficking, cow slaughter, theft and other criminal activities.
According to police, those from Khushalpur included Aamir, who faces 21 cases; Mehraj, eight cases; Salman, 21 cases; Dilshad, eight cases; Mohsin, 15 cases; Faizan, 19 cases; and Kausar, two cases.
From Jassowala, properties belonging to Birju, who faces one case; his brother Suraj, who faces two cases; and Sohin, who faces one case, were demolished.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dehradun Pramendra Singh Dobal said the action was taken after identifying illegally acquired and constructed properties allegedly linked to persons involved in the drug trade.
“The crackdown against properties illegally acquired or constructed by people involved in the drug trade will continue,” the SSP said.
The administration said the demolition was part of its wider action against illegal encroachments on government land as well as properties linked to criminal activities.