The house of Wakeel Hassan, a rat miner who played a key role in rescuing 41 workers trapped in the Uttarkashi Silkyara tunnel collapse, was demolished by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in a demolition drive, on February 28, 2024.According to the sources, Hassan claimed that he was not given prior notice about the demolition, while the DDA asserted that action was taken against several illegal structures on land designated for development. This incident has sparked public debate and raised questions about the treatment of individuals who contribute to society even while residing in unauthorized structures.Rat miners are skilled laborers known for their ability to navigate tight spaces, making them valuable in rescue operations like the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse. Hassan was part of the team that rescued 41 workers, his contribution to saving lives was widely recognized.According to the DDA, the demolition was carried out as the house was built on land designated for development and was an illegal structure. Meanwhile, TMCs Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose has called the incident tragic and shameful. Tragic & shameful. The valiant Wakeel Hassan the rat miner who with his team rescued 41 workers trapped in the Uttarkashis Silkyara tunnel , drilling by hand to get to the trapped men, today has his home demolished. Once feted as a hero today he is homeless after a DDA… pic.twitter.com/ra6k5kMuu1— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) February 28, 2024
