VARANASI, June 12 -- With the demolition of 12 more structures in Dalmandi, Varanasi, the total number of buildings razed for the road-widening project has reached 132. The drive aims to widen the 650-metre stretch in Dalmandi from 5 metres to 17.5 metres, improving connectivity and easing congestion in the area. PWD engineer KK Singh stated that 12 houses were demolished on Thursday, while five property owners voluntarily demolished their own structures. He added that of the 181 properties identified for acquisition, 120 had already been demolished. With the latest demolition drive, the total number of structures removed has risen to 132. He added that compensation amounting to Rs.56 crore has so far been disbursed to affected property owners. He said that a total of 187 structures, including six mosques, had been identified and marked for the road-widening project. Discussions between the district administration and the management committees of the mosques are ongoing, as portions of all six religious structures fall within the proposed expansion corridor. He expressed hope that the matter would be resolved amicably through mutual consultation. Assistant commissioner of police (Dashashwamedh) Atul Anjan Tripathi stated that the 12 property owners have completed the registration formalities for their properties, clearing the way for the demolition process. He added that adequate security arrangements had been put in place, with drone surveillance being used to monitor the operation. Personnel from paramilitary forces, the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and various local police stations were deployed to maintain law and order during the drive. He said the police were closely monitoring social media platforms to prevent the spread of rumours or misinformation related to the action involving religious structures. In addition, intelligence inputs and local informant networks were being utilised to assess the situation and maintain public order. He warned that strict and immediate action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt peace or create unrest....