– Raheem Khan
Alwar, Rajasthan, June 30: On Thursday morning, local authorities demolished the home of Firoz Mannaka, an alleged history-sheeter, in Mannaka village. The demolition, executed under heavy police presence and with officials from the Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) in attendance, targeted the illegal portions of the house, including the boundary wall and interior spaces.
Firoz Mannaka had been accused of extortion, allegedly threatening Ramnagar resident Chakshu Garg on May 20. Acting on a tip-off, police from the NEB station attempted to arrest Firoz in Mannaka on Saturday evening. However, the arrest operation escalated when Firoz’s family and local villagers attacked the police, allowing Firoz to escape. The attackers also damaged a police vehicle by throwing stones.
Following this incident, a team from the UIT and Tehsil office conducted a survey of Firoz’s property and discovered encroachments on government land, extending 10 to 15 feet inside the boundary wall. Notices were posted on the property, and the demolition was carried out after a three-day notice period.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Tejpal Singh reported that 35 individuals, including Firoz, were named in the case, with another 10-15 persons involved. Arrests were made, including Firoz’s father Khurshid Khan, sister Faiza, and several others. Charges include assault on police, obstruction of government work, and damage to public property. The arrested individuals were presented before a magistrate and two women among them were placed in judicial custody.
The demolition has sparked significant controversy. Social activist Advocate Akhil Chaudhary, along with farmer leader Gurpreet Singh Sangha and other local leaders, visited the demolished site on Friday. Chaudhary condemned the demolition as an abuse of power and an act of communal hatred by the BJP-led Rajasthan government. He argued that the claim of illegal land occupation was a pretext, pointing out that many properties in Alwar are built on similar land. Chaudhary asserted that Firoz, related to respected local figure Maulana Hanif, had been unfairly targeted, noting that Firoz had been acquitted in the only case against him.
Chaudhary criticized the administration for not following due process, citing the insufficient notice period and lack of opportunity for residents to challenge the demolition. He highlighted the area’s history of communal violence and alleged that the demolition was part of a broader pattern of targeting Dalits, farmers, and Muslims.
“This demolition was executed with malafide and communal intentions under the guise of law,” Chaudhary said.
“The administration’s actions are not in accordance with the law, especially since no adequate notice was given to the residents. This act reeks of communal hatred and political vengeance.”
Chaudhary called for accountability from the government and solidarity with those affected by the demolition, emphasizing the need for lawful and just governance.
