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.

Brijmohan Agrawal Slams Officials Over Rampant Illegal Liquor Sales in Raipur

BJP MP Brijmohan Agrawal on Monday came down heavily on police and excise officials for failing to curb the open sale of illegal liquor in several parts of the state capital. Speaking at a Suhasan Tihar outreach camp in Zone-5, Ashwini Nagar, the sitting Raipur South MP warned authorities to take strict action against even influential people involved in the illicit trade.

The incident, which took place on May 18, has gone viral on social media after a video of the MP’s strong remarks surfaced. Agrawal, known for his no-nonsense approach during public grievance meetings, did not hold back while addressing senior officials present on stage.

Strong Warning to Police and Excise Dept

Pointing out specific localities, Agrawal named Bhathagaon, Mathpurena, Changora Bhatha, Santoshi Nagar, and Tikrapara as hotspots where illegal liquor is being sold openly. “We know where the liquor is being sold. Don’t you (police) know?” he asked pointedly.

He further instructed officials, “Even if a big person is involved, pick him up and lock him. No bail for three months. Just do it. Why aren’t you sealing these places?”

The MP stressed that stopping the illegal liquor mafia was essential for maintaining law and order and public health in the city.

Mayor Meenal Chaubey Present on Stage

Raipur Mayor Meenal Chaubey was also present on the dais during the event. The public gathering saw residents raising multiple civic issues, but the discussion on illegal liquor clearly dominated the proceedings.

This is not the first time Agrawal has taken officials to task during Suhasan Tihar camps. Just days earlier, in a similar programme held at Samoda Nagar Panchayat in Arang, he had publicly reprimanded a Naib Tehsildar after receiving multiple complaints against him. That video too went viral, with locals cheering the MP’s direct approach.

Growing Concern Over Illicit Liquor Trade

Illegal liquor trade has been a long-standing problem in parts of Raipur, especially in semi-urban and resettlement colonies. Residents often complain of bootleggers operating with impunity, sometimes allegedly under political or police protection. The easy availability of cheap spurious liquor has also been linked to rising cases of addiction, domestic violence, and health hazards in lower-income areas.

Agrawal’s public outburst reflects mounting pressure on the administration to act decisively ahead of possible local body and other elections. By naming specific areas, the MP has put the onus directly on the ground-level machinery to deliver results.

Officials Yet to Respond Formally

As of now, neither the Raipur police nor the excise department has issued any official statement on the MP’s remarks. However, sources indicated that senior officers have taken note of the areas mentioned and are likely to intensify raids in the coming days.

The Suhasan Tihar initiative, promoted by the state government, aims to bring governance closer to citizens by holding weekly grievance redressal camps. While these platforms have helped many resolve local issues, they have also become venues where public representatives openly pull up errant officials.

Public Reaction Positive

Local residents in the affected areas welcomed Agrawal’s strong stand. Many said they had been complaining about illegal liquor dens for months without any visible action. “When an MP raises the issue publicly, hopefully something will move now,” said a resident of Santosh Nagar who did not wish to be named.

The repeated public criticism by the MP also highlights the disconnect that sometimes exists between political leadership and ground-level enforcement machinery in Chhattisgarh’s capital.

As the video continues to circulate widely, expectations have risen that the administration will launch a sustained drive against illegal liquor operators in the coming weeks.