Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 19 May: District Magistrate Savin Bansal, has finally taken stern action against notorious builder Puneet Agrawal, declaring him a “goonda” under the Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand Goonda Control Act, 1970. The DM has ordered his externment (Zila Badar) from the district for six months. The decision has been taken suo-motu by the DM’s court in view of repeated complaints against the builder and his reported criminal conduct that had created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in ATS Colony on Sahastradhara Road.
It may be recalled that a complaint had been submitted on 25 April 2026 by the local residents of a colony in Raipur area including DRDO scientist Hem Shikha, alleging that on 13 April 2026 Puneet Agrawal had launched a violent attack on the scientist’s family, causing serious injury by rupturing the victim’s eardrum and misbehaving with women and elderly persons. The residents had described him as an anti-social element who regularly intimidated women, children and senior citizens, and they had demanded action under the Goonda Act. The DM had ordered a confidential inquiry by the SDM Mussoorie, which confirmed that the builder’s behaviour was consistently creating fear and insecurity in the locality. FIRs that had been registered at Raipur police station, viral video clips on social media and collective complaints from residents were taken into account. Senior DRDO scientist and director Manoj Kumar Dhaka had also submitted a complaint seeking strict action.
It may be also pertinent to point out here that, despite the FIR and regular complaints, the Police remained largely inactive and did not take due action against the builder who is referred to as mafia in the area. Several media reports in this respect were also ignored by the police which had further emboldened Agrawal who continued threatening the locals and even block the roads and their access to their own houses. Consequently, the residents had to approach the DM and seek redressal.
During the hearing, the prosecution argued that the builder’s conduct has become a source of fear and insecurity in society and that failure to restrain him may lead to grave incidents. The defence claimed the matter is a civil dispute and related to personal enmity, but the court, relying on the evidence, FIRs, video clips, complaints and the inquiry report, concluded that Puneet Agrawal is habitually engaged in criminal activities and accustomed to intimidating people and disturbing peace. The order makes it clear that he cannot enter the boundaries of Dehradun district without permission for six months and that any violation will invite imprisonment and fine. Raipur police have been directed to enforce the order immediately and ensure his removal from the district within 24 hours.
The DM’s court had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of his alleged misconduct during Diwali when he was accused of brandishing a pistol at minors, leading to suspension of his arms licence. Multiple FIRs have been registered against him under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including assault, intimidation, trespass and causing hurt. Allegations include assaulting a DRDO scientist, misbehaving with residents, threatening RWA members, attempting to run over children with a vehicle, using abusive language in meetings, harassing widows over land disputes and filing false cases against residents. The administration noted that despite repeated complaints, effective action had not been taken earlier, but this order has sent a strong message that law and order will be upheld firmly.
DM Bansal has reiterated that the safety of women, children, the elderly and vulnerable sections of society is paramount and that those who take the law into their own hands will not be spared. The administration’s decisive action has instilled confidence among residents and reinforced the message that criminal behaviour and intimidation will be met with strict legal consequences.
DM permanently cancels builder Puneet Agrawal’s arms licence
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 19 May: The District Magistrate’s court in Dehradun has permanently cancelled the arms licence of builder Puneet Agrawal of ATS Colony, Raipur, in view of public safety and law and order. Alongside, directions have been issued to the SSP Dehradun to seize his NPB .32 bore pistol and keep it in police custody on behalf of the state government. The action follows an incident during Diwali in October 2025 when the builder allegedly brandished his licensed weapon at children during a dispute over firecrackers, which was deemed a serious violation of licence conditions and a threat to public peace. At that time, following complaints, Agrawal’s pistol licence had been suspended.
The court noted that the display of a licensed weapon amounted to gross negligence and breach of the terms under which the licence had been issued. It was also observed that five criminal cases are already registered against him under various provisions. After examining the evidence, police reports and arguments from both sides, the District Magistrate’s court found that the licence holder had violated the Arms Act, 1959, and Arms Rules, 2016, and that cancellation of the licence was justified. The Senior Superintendent of Police has been directed to seize the pistol and submit a compliance report, while the Arms Officer at the Collectorate has been instructed to record the cancellation in the arms register.
It may be recalled that the incident of brandishing the weapon during Diwali had earlier led DM Bansal to suspend the licence and initiate proceedings for cancellation. The court has now finalised the cancellation, making it clear that misuse of arms will not be tolerated. The licence number 597/Thana Raipur, UIN 335601004165002023, held by Puneet Agrawal, has been cancelled, and the weapon seized. The District Magistrate stated that law cannot be trifled with and strict action will be taken against those who attempt to create fear and insecurity. The builder, already declared a goonda under the Goonda Act and externed from the district, now faces further consequences with the cancellation of his arms licence, reinforcing the administration’s resolve to protect public peace and safety.
