The district administration in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, in collaboration with NTPC authorities, demolished the residence of Congress leader Yogendra Sao in Barkagaon due to land encroachment issues. The house, situated near Chatti Bariatu coal mines, was razed using bulldozers under magistrates’ supervision with heavy police presence to maintain order. Officials clarified that the structure was on land earmarked for coal mining, necessitating its removal to ensure smooth mining operations.
Authorities revealed that despite multiple notices to vacate the encroached land, the concerned party did not comply, leading to the demolition. They emphasized that the action was lawful and aimed at facilitating uninterrupted mining activities in the area. Sao’s daughter, Amba Prasad, a former Congress MLA, criticized the demolition, alleging lack of compensation and procedural irregularities, especially since the matter was sub judice.
Prasad raised concerns over the safety of her mother, Nirmala Devi, who was reportedly inside the house during the demolition, questioning the haste and legality of the operation. She denounced the demolition as a violation of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act, 2013, stating the family’s intent to challenge it legally. The incident occurred amidst escalating tensions between Sao and NTPC authorities, with recent incidents of alleged attacks on company personnel and vehicles adding to the unrest.
The administration conducted the demolition under tight security measures to prevent any disturbances, ensuring the operation concluded without major clashes. While normalcy has returned to the area post-demolition, the event has stirred political reactions, hinting at potential escalation in the days ahead.
