AITUC Questions Demolition of PM Housing on Disputed Land
Key Points:
- Police demolishes house on disputed land a day before wedding
- Land dispute involves multiple court decisions over two decades
- AITUC demands investigation and justice for affected families
MEDININAGAR – The AITUC General Secretary Rajeev Kumar accused the Pandu police administration of excesses, leaving a Dalit family homeless in Kajarukala village of Pandu block. Kumar raised serious concerns over the demolition of houses on disputed land, which occurred on December 8 under police and administrative supervision.
Court Orders and Police Action
In June, the court had directed the removal of encroachment on plot number 767, khata number 67, measuring 70.2 decimals of land. The administration was given time until July 3 to execute the order. Nearly six months later, the action was carried out under the supervision of the Pandu Circle Officer.
AITUC leader Rajeev Kumar revealed that the demolition took place just a day before the scheduled wedding of Bindhu Ram’s daughter. Despite the family’s request for a four-day reprieve, the administration proceeded with the action. Kumar claimed that police not only destroyed the house but also allegedly assaulted the Dalit families before detaining them at the station. They were later released late at night on bail bonds.
Historical Land Dispute
Rajeev Kumar explained that the land had been purchased by Kalpu Ram from Keshav Pandey on February 16, 1995. However, Narendra Pandey challenged the purchase in court. In 2003, Kalpu Ram lost the case, but he retained possession of the land. Narendra Pandey then appealed to the High Court, which directed the matter back to the lower court. On June 27 this year, the lower court ordered the eviction, leading to the December 8 demolition.
Questions Raised Over PM Housing Approval
AITUC questioned how a PM Awas Yojana house could be approved on disputed land if the land did not belong to the beneficiaries. Kumar further alleged discrepancies, noting that a land receipt was issued the day after the demolition.
Rajeev Kumar demanded a thorough investigation into the matter, stating, “How was the same land sold twice? Action must be taken against those responsible, and the sale deed must be canceled.” He urged the administration to provide land and housing to the displaced family as a matter of justice.
Planned Protest for Justice
AITUC announced plans for a protest outside the DC office on December 30, demanding justice for the affected families and accountability from the administration.
The press conference saw the presence of Gautam Kumar, Vinay Kumar Bhushan, Neeraj Agarwal, Pradeep Vishwakarma, Ramraj Paswan, and Chandrdhan Mahato.
