A section of the Varanasi home belonging to the late Olympian and Padma Shri awardee, Mohammed Shahid, has been razed by a bulldozer during a road-widening initiative. This action has ignited strong protests from the legendary hockey player’s family.
In response, local authorities claim that only properties for which compensation has already been disbursed were affected by the demolition. The demolition drive took place on Sunday, September 28, 2025, along the Kachery to Sandaha route, where Shahid’s ancestral home is situated.
Family Claims “No Compensation Received”
Nazneen, Mohammed Shahid’s sister-in-law, vehemently denied receiving any compensation and stated that her family possesses no other property. “We literally have nowhere else to go with our family,” she lamented.
His cousin, Mushtaq, highlighted the family’s distress, noting they are currently preparing for a wedding scheduled for October. He asserted that the affected family members do not own even a small parcel of land elsewhere. “If this situation persists, we will be left homeless on the streets,” he warned.
Mushtaq further alleged that while road widening in other areas was limited to 21 meters, in their locality, it was inexplicably expanded to 25 meters.
Authorities Counter, Citing Compensation for Six Members
Alok Verma, Varanasi’s Additional District Magistrate (City), clarified the administration’s stance. “The road-widening project specifically targets properties where compensation has already been paid,” he explained. He acknowledged that “slight deviations can sometimes occur during bulldozer operations, but no structure is being arbitrarily demolished.”
Regarding Shahid’s residence, Mr. Verma confirmed that nine individuals resided there, and six had already received their due compensation. He added that the remaining three had successfully obtained court-issued stay orders, ensuring their portions of the property remained untouched.
Mr. Verma revealed that a total of 13 houses have been demolished as part of this ongoing drive. He also mentioned that Shahid’s family had previously requested an extension, citing the upcoming wedding. However, they reportedly failed to submit the necessary Aadhaar and bank account details required for compensation transfer, despite the administration’s request.
Congress Blasts BJP Government Over Demolition
Ajay Rai, the President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress, sharply condemned the demolition of the sportsman’s home. “The BJP government has callously demolished the house of Padma Shri Mohammed Shahid. This isn’t just a house; it represents a cherished symbol of our nation’s sporting legacy,” Rai declared.
He concluded with a stern warning: “The BJP government, which shows such disrespect for talent and revered figures on the sacred land of Kashi, will not be forgiven by the people.”