GORAKHPUR, Dec. 13 -- The district police have launched a search and verification operation after reports emerged that influential individuals were charging rent from residents living in illegal settlements on vacant government land in the city.

Their job is two-fold: identifying these individuals and identifying illegal migrants squatting there.

According to officials, these individuals allegedly facilitated electricity and water connections in the unauthorised settlements, prompting the growth of several slum clusters. The issue came to light following complaints from residents of nearby localities.

SP City Abhinav Tyagi said the operation was initiated following directives from the chief minister to identify illegal migrants residin...