Key Highlights of the Report:

• Anti-encroachment drive conducted by the municipality and traffic police at Damoh’s Ghantaghar area.
• Livelihoods of poor Kumbhkar (Prajapati) families, selling earthen pots for generations, face a severe crisis.
• Influential merchants allegedly received prior tip-offs, successfully saving their goods.
• Citizens demand transparent, unbiased, and uniform action against all encroachers.

Poor Bear the Brunt, Livelihoods Snatched

The heaviest toll of this discriminatory action was borne by the Kumbhkar (Prajapati) community. These families have been earning their daily bread by selling earthen pots on the roadside for generations. Without any solid prior notice, the administration dismantled their carts and destroyed their goods. This sudden crackdown has created a severe livelihood crisis for these daily wage earners. It has become a common talking point in the city whether the whip of the law is reserved only for the weak and marginalized.

Administration Silent on Encroachments by Large Establishments

Questioning the administration’s impartiality, local citizens pointed out that several prominent shopkeepers in and around the Ghantaghar area have permanently occupied public corridors and pathways. Illegal tin sheds and concrete structures have been erected in multiple spots, yet the administration’s bulldozers failed to muster the courage to reach those areas.

Eyewitnesses allege that wealthy and influential traders were tipped off about the drive well in advance. Capitalizing on this, they secured their valuable goods in time. Although a cosmetic shift in the officials’ attitude was noticed once media coverage began at the spot, the poor vendors had already suffered massive financial losses by then.

Growing Demand for Transparent Action

Following this entire episode, city residents have strongly demanded from the district administration that double standards should not be adopted in anti-encroachment operations. The public asserts that everyone is equal before the law, and therefore, the action must be completely transparent. Instead of solely targeting the city’s poorest, the bulldozers should also dismantle the concrete encroachments built by the influential on public properties.

The post Damoh Anti-Encroachment Drive: Bulldozers Crush Livelihoods of the Poor While Wealthy Businesses Spared appeared first on Mission Ki Awaaz.

Case exposed by viral video

Recently, a video went viral on social media in which Ashok Singh was seen threatening to kill the victim woman and using abusive language against the Rampur Baghelan police station in-charge. After the video surfaced, the matter became a topic of discussion at the political and administrative levels.

Woman files serious complaint

In her complaint to the police, the victim stated that Ashok Singh had been mentally and physically harassing her for a long time. She alleged that the accused repeatedly visited her shop and threatened her, and also pressured her by threatening to make the video viral. The woman also stated that the accused had molested her about six months ago and had even filmed the incident, which he was now threatening to make viral.

Police took swift action

Based on the woman’s complaint and the viral video, the police began a serious investigation. They registered a case against Ashok Singh under sections 74, 75(2), 79, 296(1), and 351(3) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). However, the initial investigation did not substantiate the rape allegation, as the woman stated that she was forced to make the allegation due to fear and pressure.

During the investigation, it was found that the accused molested the woman, made obscene gestures, and threatened to kill her, which was corroborated by the video and witnesses. Acting swiftly, the police arrested Ashok Singh and are preparing to present him in court.

Police conducted an impartial investigation

Police officials say the case was investigated impartially and legal action was taken based on the facts that emerged. Police also assured that no political or pressure influence was allowed in the case and that strict action would be taken against the accused.

The post Satna: BJP councilor’s husband Ashok Singh arrested appeared first on Mission Ki Awaaz.