Samridhi Grand Avenue- Protest against builder turns violent

GreNo West: The protest staged by residents of Samridhhi Grand Avenue, Techzone 4, Greater Noida West on Sunday, May 9, 2022, ended in a stampede-like situation. Residents were protesting against the builder for the hike in Diesel Generator (DG) charges without any intimation. The residents allege that the builder had hired miscreants to suppress the protest. Thereafter, residents filed an FIR regarding this matter. Proceedings are underway and two arrests have been made by the Police.

Residents share that the protest resulted in complete chaos and a panic situation. As gathered from the residents, the protest was planned to oppose the hike in the rate of DG from Rs 17 to Rs 30 per unit. Residents allege the builder's brother had hired bouncers and goons to suppress the protests. These hired goons started running after the residents with iron rods trying to physically hurt the residents. They had to run to save their lives.

Sumit Gupta, a resident says, “Builder has raised the DG rate without telling us to 30 rupees from 17 rupees. We held a meeting to talk about how to solve these everyday problems. As no solutions could be reached, we stood up and went to the main gate to protest. Soon from somewhere, the people from the builder’s side started running behind us with rods. They were trying to kill us. We have reported this incident. It is a clear indication from the builder that if we raise a word, there would be violence."

Abhinay Saraswat, another resident says, “It was a peaceful protest, which proved deadly. We filed an FIR. Allegations have been put on the residents as well. The builder is trying to mould the matter by saying that it is a tussle between the residents. There is no surveillance, whatsoever in society. They had rods, someday anyone can carry a gun too. Our lives are at threat."

After the incident, there is an atmosphere of fear and unrest in society. Taking quick action, two arrests have been made by the Police. Police say that there will be no laxity in this matter. Strict action would be taken against all accused.

On this, Yogendra Singh, ACP2 Central Noida said in a Tweet on May 8, 2022, “In the above case, there was a dispute between the builder and the residents of the society. In this regard, two people are being detained and questioned. We have seen the whole CCTV footage. The action has been taken and the culprits are going to Jail today (May 9, 2022). An application has been received regarding the matter, after which necessary legal action will be taken.”

The dispute between the builder and the residents in Greater Noida West seems unending. Every Sunday, there is some or another society residents can be seen on the roads of Grenowest, protesting against the builder for the lack of facilities or high maintenance charges. CitySpidey tried to contact the builder on the issue but he was unavailable for comment.