Fresh bulldozer demolition in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh leaves Dalit family homeless
Lucknow: A Dalit family’s home was demolished by authorities in Uttar Pradesh without prior notice or an opportunity to challenge the action, further fueling concerns over the increasing use of bulldozer demolitions in Modi’s India, particularly in BJP-ruled states.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Mala Devi, a resident of Chhidi village in Prayagraj district, said revenue officials, police personnel and a bulldozer team arrived at her home and razed the structure, rendering the family homeless despite its long-standing residence on the land.
The family said the house had stood on the site for generations and no eviction notice, hearing or legal order was provided before the demolition. Mala Devi described the action as illegal and unconstitutional, arguing that the authorities ignored basic principles of due process before destroying the family’s home.
The demolition was reportedly carried out following a complaint by the village head. However, the family maintained that it was neither given an opportunity to present ownership records nor allowed to contest the allegations before its home was demolished. The affected family has demanded an independent investigation, compensation and rehabilitation.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the growing trend of bulldozer-driven actions under the BJP dispensation. While authorities often justify such demolitions as measures against alleged illegal constructions or criminal activity, human rights groups and legal experts have repeatedly raised concerns that these actions frequently bypass judicial safeguards and disproportionately target Muslims, Dalits and other marginalized communities.
