Tension gripped Nakti village in Raipur’s Mana area on Monday as the administration began demolishing around 80 houses, including 32 under PM and Indira Awas schemes, to make way for a proposed MLA colony.

Heavy police deployment was made since late Sunday night with over 1,000 personnel on the spot. As soon as the JCB machines arrived in the morning, residents came out and stood in front of the machines in protest. This led to scuffles between police and villagers. Several dramatic scenes were witnessed as people sat with their belongings outside their homes while others looked on helplessly.

One poignant image showed an elderly man sitting on the rubble of his demolished house, holding a small child in his lap. Women were seen crying and asking where they would go now.

The administration maintained that the land was government-owned and the occupation was illegal. Officials said arrangements are being made to rehabilitate the affected 75 families in EWS houses in Sector-30 of Naya Raipur. The allotment process has been expedited.

Villagers, however, argued that they have been living in the area for years and many houses were built under government housing schemes. They claimed the land was originally part of Nakti village’s nistari (common) land that later became part of the village habitation. They alleged that old land disputes and political decisions are behind the sudden drive.

This is not the first time action is being taken. Last year too, the administration had issued notices, but the drive was stopped after protests and intervention by public representatives.

The demolition drive is currently focused on Ward 16 and 17. Residents have been demanding proper rehabilitation and alternative land before eviction.The incident has once again brought into focus issues of displacement in the name of development, especially when it involves families already living under government housing schemes.

Police said they are maintaining law and order and the situation is being monitored closely. Further details on the number of houses demolished and rehabilitation timeline are awaited as the operation continues.