Displaced families from Nakti village in Raipur spent a sleepless night under the open sky after the administration demolished around 80 houses early Monday morning for the proposed MLA colony.

The demolition drive began around 4 am after electricity supply to the area was suddenly cut off. Heavy police force was deployed as JCB machines razed the structures, including several houses built under PM and Indira Awas schemes. Many residents, including women, children, and elderly, were seen sitting helplessly on the rubble of their homes with their belongings scattered around.

Congress leader Vikas Upadhyay visited the spot late Monday night and heard the grievances of the affected people. Residents alleged that they were being given only one small room in EWS houses in Sector-30 of Naya Raipur for families as large as 12-14 members, without basic facilities like electricity, water, or toilets.

People claimed they were betrayed. Just two days ago, they had met Raipur MP Brijmohan Agrawal, who reportedly assured them that no houses would be demolished during the rainy season and that a middle path would be found. “The MP also lied to us,” they alleged.

Congress leader Vikas Upadhyay strongly criticised the move, saying over 95 families were rendered homeless for the MLA colony. Former Deputy Chief Minister TS Singh Deo also condemned the action, calling it insensitive, especially ahead of the monsoon.

The administration maintained that the land was government-owned and the occupation illegal. Officials claimed rehabilitation process for the 75 affected families has been initiated in Naya Raipur’s EWS housing.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with questions being raised over the timing of the demolition and the adequacy of rehabilitation arrangements. Many families spent the night in the open with children going hungry.

The situation remains tense as displaced residents continue to protest and demand proper rehabilitation before further action.