Beltangady: A case has been registered at the Beltangady police station against a man for allegedly demolishing a house built on government land in Ujire village of Beltangady taluk and for threatening a minor girl who tried to record the incident on her mobile phone.
The accused has been identified as Rafeeq, a resident of Odal in the same village. The house belonged to Rajeevi, a resident of Kakkarebettu in Ujire village. According to the complaint filed with the police, Rajeevi had constructed the house on government land bearing survey number 406/1 and was residing there along with her husband and daughter.
House allegedly demolished in absence of family
As per the complaint, the incident occurred on the morning of February 27. Rajeevi and her husband had reportedly left for work, leaving their daughter at home. Taking advantage of their absence, Rafeeq allegedly noticed that no elders were present in the house and illegally entered the premises.
He is accused of damaging the structure of the house and demolishing parts of it. The complaint further states that he removed several household items from inside the house and threw them out onto the street. Among the items allegedly thrown out were a television set, refrigerator, gas cylinder, furniture, clothes and grocery provisions.
The sudden destruction of the house and the scattering of belongings on the road left the family shocked and distressed. The extent of the damage to the structure and property is yet to be officially assessed by the authorities.
Minor girl allegedly threatened
According to the complaint, Rajeevi’s daughter attempted to record a video of the demolition on her mobile phone. It is alleged that Rafeeq threatened the minor girl when he noticed that she was filming the incident.
Frightened by the alleged threats, the girl reportedly began crying loudly, drawing the attention of neighbours. Two local residents, identified as Thyagaraj and Jaya, rushed to the spot after hearing her cries.
When they questioned Rafeeq about his actions, he allegedly abused them in foul language and issued threats to them as well, the complaint stated. The incident has raised concern among residents of the area regarding safety and disputes over land occupation.
Police register case, begin investigation
Following the complaint, personnel from the Beltangady police station visited the location in Ujire village and conducted a spot inspection. A case has been registered against Rafeeq under relevant sections pertaining to trespass, mischief causing damage, criminal intimidation, and other applicable provisions of law.
Police sources stated that further investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances leading to the demolition and to verify the claims made in the complaint. Statements from the complainant, neighbours and other witnesses are expected to be recorded as part of the inquiry.
The issue of occupation of government land is also likely to be examined during the course of the investigation. Authorities may verify land records and determine whether any prior dispute existed between the parties involved.
Land dispute angle likely to be probed
While the complaint alleges unlawful entry and destruction of property, it remains unclear whether there was an ongoing dispute over the land in question. The survey number mentioned in the complaint indicates that the land belongs to the government. Officials may examine whether any eviction notice or legal proceedings were pending.
Legal experts note that even in cases of unauthorised occupation of government land, demolition or eviction must follow due process as prescribed under law. Any act of self-help or forcible demolition without official authorisation could attract penal consequences.
Residents of Ujire have expressed concern over the incident and are closely following the developments. The police have assured that action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Further details are awaited as the inquiry progresses.