Police-administration run JCB over house, tribal family buried under debris:Stone pelting on officials during anti-encroachment drive in Chhatarpur

Police and administrative teams that reached Daudhan village in Chhatarpur district to remove encroachments under the Ken-Betwa Link Project faced massive resistance from villagers. During the action, angry villagers allegedly pelted stones at the administrative team, creating chaos at the spot. As the situation worsened, officials and employees were forced to retreat. During the stone-pelting, the vehicle of the Additional SP, the Sub-Divisional Revenue Officer’s vehicle and a JCB machine, along with nearly half a dozen vehicles, were damaged. Windows of several vehicles were shattered. The administrative team also reportedly suffered losses. Allegation of demolishing house arbitrarily Villagers alleged that the administration carried out the action arbitrarily and demolished the house of a tribal villager named Azad. According to the allegations, Azad and his family got trapped under the debris while the house was being demolished and suffered injuries. Following the incident, anger spread across the village and a large number of villagers gathered at the spot. Heavy police force deployed Tension prevails in the entire area after the incident. Heavy police force has been deployed in the village to prevent any untoward situation. The administration is identifying people allegedly involved in the violence and stone-pelting. Officials said the situation is being closely monitored and necessary steps are being taken to maintain law and order. Anger over displacement and compensation A dispute has been ongoing for a long time between villagers and the administration regarding displacement and compensation linked to the project. Villagers alleged that action was being taken without resolving their issues. Due to this resentment, the situation suddenly turned tense on Monday.