Lucknow: In a devastating turn of events, a Muslim tailor named Aziz took his own life after his home was demolished and his sewing machine confiscated by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led authorities in Uttar Pradesh, reflecting the dire human impact of aggressive urban development policies.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Aziz, from the Akbar Nagar area of Lucknow, was overwhelmed by despair after his residence was razed and his primary means of livelihood taken away by local government actions. The campaign that led to the destruction of Aziz’s home began in December 2023, targeting dwellings in underprivileged areas and affecting about 15,000 residents, mostly from poor and middle-class families.

The crisis for Aziz escalated on July 20 when authorities seized his sewing machine, essential for his tailoring business. Although he managed to reclaim it by paying a bribe, the financial and emotional tolls were immense. Days later, he committed suicide, leaving behind a widow and a six-month-old daughter.

The demolition drive has been heavily criticized for its impact on the community, particularly among vulnerable groups in Akbar Nagar. The loss of homes and livelihoods has sparked significant outcry, with Aziz’s death highlighting the human cost of such policies. Locals have expressed profound distress, noting that the initiative not only displaces families but also strips them of their dignity and means to survive.