8-Year-Old’s Dash to Save Books Amid Demolition Sparks Supreme Court Concern

In Uttar Pradesh’s Ambedkar Nagar, an 8-year-old girl named Ananya Yadav captured widespread attention after she was filmed running with her schoolbag during a government-led demolition drive. The incident occurred as authorities worked to dismantle illegal settlements, inadvertently thrusting Ananya into the spotlight.

The young girl’s schoolbag held her cherished books, which she views as her greatest treasure. Aspiring to one day become an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer to “protect the country,” Ananya sprang into action when a fire broke out near her bag during the demolition. Her desperate effort to save her books was caught on camera and quickly spread online.

The viral footage reached the Supreme Court, where it prompted a strong reaction. During a hearing, Justices A S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan voiced dismay over the scene. Justice Bhuyan, as quoted, remarked, “There is a recent video in which small huts are being demolished by bulldozers. There is a small girl running away from the demolished hut with a clutch of books in her hand. It has shocked everyone.” The justices’ comments underscored broader concerns about the effects of such demolitions on vulnerable populations, especially children.

Adding to the story’s complexity, noted that an FIR has been filed against “fake” videos falsely connecting Ananya to the demolition, highlighting efforts to curb misinformation surrounding the event.

Ananya’s story sheds light on the unintended consequences of demolition drives, particularly for the youngest and most defenseless members of society.