Raipur: The city witnessed a high-voltage crackdown after the Raipur Municipal Corporation (RMC) demolished the house of a man accused of raping a minor, even as opposition parties questioned whether such “bulldozer justice” can truly deter crime.
The civic body razed the house of the accused, Abdul Sajjhad Ansari, at Jhanda Chowk after issuing a notice asking him to submit property-related documents within seven days. RMC officials said the structure had been built illegally on encroached land.
A heavy police force was deployed at the site, while teams from the administration and the local ward office remained present throughout the demolition.
Raipur mayor Meenal Choubey defended the action, saying, “RMC has acted against a man who snatched away a young girl’s childhood.” Local functionaries said the mayor had recently visited the area and had publicly directed civic officials to demolish both the accused’s shop and house.
According to police, the accused ran a small shop near Jhanda Chowk, selling bangles, snacks and confectionery. He allegedly lured a nine-year-old girl with snacks, took her to his house on multiple occasions and sexually assaulted her between January 7 and 11. As the case involves a minor, further investigation is ongoing.
The demolition has sparked political criticism. Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Deepak Baij questioned the rationale behind the action, asking whether tearing down a house would prevent crime. He accused the government of failing to control law and order, alleging that incidents of loot, murder and robbery were rising. “Criminals are roaming free. Demolishing houses will not stop crime,” he said.
