Jharsuguda, July 18: A day after Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced that government land illegally occupied by the rich and influentials would be freed on priority, local administration took swift action in the Bandhabahal area of Odisha’s Jharsuguda district.
A bulldozer was seen in action today, demolishing illegal structures belonging to a known history-sheeter, Md Sonu, who had multiple cases filed against him under the Arms Act and other Sections of the IPC. His family members were also implicated in at least 30 cases.
The illegal constructions included a garage, meat shop, ration shop, and another structure, all located at Indira Awas Colony in Bandhabahal under Banharpali police limits. At least three platoons of police were mobilized during the eviction drive to deal with any kind of untoward situation.
Additional Tahasildar Kulamani Dalei confirmed that Sonu was operating on encroached land, and all illegal structures had been identified and demolished. "Similar action will be initiated against all encroachers in the locality," Dalei stated.
This operation follows Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's directive to Collectors to reclaim encroached land in both rural and urban areas, emphasizing a crackdown on unlawful occupations.
